CRAIG BRYSON cursed Scott McDonald for stopping Kilmarnock club pulling off an upset against Celtic at Rugby Park.

Bryson and his team-mates were just minutes away from drawing 1-1 with the Hoops in their Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash last night.

However, then McDonald, who had put the Scottish champions in front in the first half, netted a late wonder goal to clinch a win for the visitors.

Bryson groaned: "I felt we did well. Obviously Celtic had a lot of the ball, but we had two good chances to score in the second half and didn't take them.

"Despite that, we were looking comfortable. A bit of quality from McDonald shone through and that is what got them the victory."

Bryson, who was superb for Jim Jefferies' team, feels new striker Kevin Kyle will help Kilmarnock stay in the top flight this season.

The former Scotland and Sunderland front man was outstanding in the air and caused Gordon Strachan's team all sorts of problems.

"It is easy to see he has played at a high level and has got good experience." said Bryson. "He is always talking to players. He held the ball up very well against Celtic and got us up the pitch.

"I am sure he is going to be an important player between now and the end of the season. If we are in trouble, we can just punt it up the park and he will win it."

Bryson also praised Kilmarnock keeper Alan Combe for keeping the Ayrshire outfit in the match with a raft of important saves in the first half.

He added: "Our keeper had a few good saves in the first half. But that is what you get from Combo. He is an excellent goalie. He does it every week.

He was no different against Celtic. He didn't really have much of a chance with either of their goals."