MIRACLE MAX

Kettlewell hails Stryjek who inspires Killie stars with heart op recovery

- BY GAVIN MCCAFFERTY

KILMARNOCK manager Stuart Kettlewell believes "walking miracle" Max Stryjek has inspired the squad with his recovery from heart surgery.

The Polish goalkeeper's last game came in Killie's most recent victory, over Dundee United in October, before routine screening detected what the club termed an "anomaly". The 29-year-old this week revealed he had undergone successful heart surgery on November 17.

Stryjek was told to expect 16 weeks out of action when his condition was first diagnosed but his presence on the sidelines has been appreciated during draws with United and Hearts in the past week.

Kettlewell, whose team host Rangers today, said: "Over the years of managing, I've seen absolutely everything. It's safe to say this wasn't a situation that I'd ever seen.