Kilmarnock goalkeeper Alan Combe will shrug off the effects of a double hernia operation and the financial gloom surrounding the club to look forward to another season between the sticks.

While the 35-year-old recovers from an operation to solve a problem which plagued him in the last three months of last term, he has watched the Killie squad reduce in size due to continual financial restrictions.

The cash-strapped Rugby Park club will go into next season with a squad of just 24 first-team players - 10 less than last term - and will therefore not be renewing the contracts of experienced players Allan Johnston, David Lilley and Grant Murray.

But Combe told PA Sport: "I am enjoying my football more as I get older and I'm still as enthusiastic. I don't feel the pressure so much these days. If I make a mistake I get it out of my head for the Monday when I'm back at training.

"When I was younger, I would still be thinking about it on the Thursday and it meant you couldn't do your work properly. That just comes with experience and becoming mentally stronger.

"I had my operation a fortnight ago and I will go in to see the Kilmarnock physio tomorrow (Wednesday). Hopefully he will say it is okay. The surgeon seemed pleased with it but we just need to see. Hopefully the problem is solved and I will be back for pre-season training on July 8."