Samaras was thrown into the action for the final 20 minutes and the on-loan Manchester City striker gave every indication he will have no problem settling into Scottish football.

"I'm pleased for him," added Strachan. "It's not easy for a big man, he's only had seven games this year and I think bigger guys need more games to get into their stride. He gives us a different option so we can be pleased with the performance today."

Strachan also had praise for young Paul Caddis, who slotted into the problem right-back position today.

He said: "He did very well and he should be pleased with himself. We have held him back a little bit because he is not the tallest so you have to learn the game more to compensate for that.

"Now that he has had a long time training with us, I feel that's not a problem anymore. He has more knowledge on how to play the game."

Scott McDonald claimed a double and Gary Caldwell and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink were also on the scoresheet before Samaras rounded off a miserable day for Kilmarnock.