Kyle set for Spartak friendly

Spartak Nalchik have claimed striker Kevin Kyle will play in a friendly despite suggestions he pulled the plug on a move.

Kyle's deal with Kilmarnock expires in the summer and he had been linked with a move to Russia, but earlier this week Killie boss Jimmy Calderwood had said that the move was jettisoned because of security concerns. However, Spartak's assistant coach Kazbek Nakhushev is expecting the arrival of the 28-year-old on Thursday to play in a friendly, in preparation for the start of the Russian Premier League season later this month. Nakhushev told the Daily Record: "Kyle will take part in our usual training session and, at 1.30pm GMT, he will play for our team in a friendly against Zhemchuzhina Sochi football club. "We will have an impression of Kyle right after the game and will say then where we stand. "We are aiming to recruit several new players. We recently had a look at a Slovenian player - but I can tell you, he didn't impress. "So Kyle has a good chance of being offered a deal."