Shiels sure of easy transition
Kenny Shiels is confident his transition from assistant to manager at Kilmarnock will be a smooth one.
The Irishman was installed as caretaker boss at Rugby Park on Thursday by chairman Michael Johnston following the departure of Mixu Paatelainen, who was appointed manager of Finland.
"Mixu and I have the same philosophy," he said. "The template that we have worked off was put together by Mixu and me. That has always been the way my teams have played no matter where I've been."
He added: "When I took Coleraine and Ballymena in to Europe we played that way and I don't see any reason why it should change. So hopefully I can influence the board by sustaining the continuity."
Shiels, whose first game in charge will be at St Johnstone on Saturday, is keen to to be appointed on a permanent basis.
"I have my aspirations to meet challenges and being the manager of Kilmarnock is one of those challenges I would like to meet," he said. "To take it on a full-time basis would be fantastic for the players and myself.
"I feel it would be a good decision for the board.
"That's a little bit egotistical but certainly, where I'm at, I would think it would be a great opportunity for me.
"Michael is on holiday in Gran Canaria but he asked me to steer the ship until such times as an appointment is made.
"I understand there will be lots of applicants and I also know the board has to make the decision in the best interests of the club. If I'm part of that then that's good for me but I am philosophical, if I'm not then I will have to grin and bear."
