Barry Nicholson, Mark Stewart join Kilmarnock

Kilmarnock have signed Barry Nicholson and Mark Stewart on short-term contracts.

Midfielder Nicholson, 34, was released by Fleetwood Town last month.

He has also had spells at Preston and Aberdeen since leaving Dunfermline, where he made 174 league appearances between 2000 and 2005.

Meanwhile, striker Stewart, 25, joins Killie after leaving Dundee in the summer. He scored three goals in 17 first-team games last season.

"Kilmarnock Football Club is pleased to confirm that we have signed Barry Nicholson & Mark Stewart until January 2014," read a statement on Kilmarnock's official website. "We would like to wish both players every success during their time at the club."

Nicholson went straight into the starting lineup for today's 1-1 draw at St Mirren, playing 69 minutes, while Stewart made his debut as a second-half substitute.