Kilmarnock boss Steve Clarke has strengthened his defensive options with the signing of Alex Bruce.

The experienced defender has joined from Wigan on a permanent deal, though only on a six-month basis until the end of the season.

Bruce, son of former Manchester United defender Steve, was at Rugby Park to see Killie beat Rangers 2-1 two weeks ago and was impressed by what he saw.

“The biggest thing when I came to watch the game against Rangers was the work ethic of the lads and the way they dug in for one another,” the former Birmingham, Leeds and Hull player told the Killie website.

“As soon as I left the game I thought, I wouldn’t mind joining that group. They look like an honest bunch and I look forward to playing with them.

“The atmosphere was great with the lads getting the winner in the second half and hopefully I’ll prove to be a lucky charm.

“Everyone knows that Kilmarnock are having a great season and once I got everything finished with Wigan then I wanted to jump on the bandwagon and hopefully help the club be successful.”

On moving to Scotland, he added: “It was something that I was keen to do. I believe being a footballer is a short career so I think every opportunity that you get, you have to grab it with both hands.

“I had a couple of opportunities in England too but I fancied a fresh challenge and it’s one that I’m looking forward to.

“I know it won’t be easy, everyone says it’s a physical and tough league.”

The club also announced that veteran striker Kris Boyd will serve a two-match ban after an appeal against the red card shown versus Aberdeen was rejected.

The original decision was upheld at a Scottish Football Association hearing, leaving Boyd suspended for the upcoming matches against Hearts and Dundee.