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Kilmarnock have signed Kallum Higginbotham after the forward rejected a new contract with Partick Thistle.

Higginbotham had spent two seasons at Firhill and scored two goals in 35 appearances in the last campaign.

The 26-year-old said Killie manager Gary Locke's persistence persuaded him to sign a two-year contract with Thistle's Scottish Premiership rivals.

"Gary has been relentless in his efforts to sign me and I have taken this as a huge compliment," he said.

Englishman Higginbotham began his career with Rochdale and had spells with Accrington Stanley, Falkirk, Huddersfield Town, Barnsley, Carlisle United and Motherwell before scoring eight goals in his first season with Thistle.

Locke told his club website: "I am over the moon to have secured Kallum as he was one of my main targets and we have chased him all summer.

"He is a creative front player - and a goal threat - and it's great to secure him for the club."