The Greece striker scored his second double in consecutive Clydesdale Bank Premier League games to take his tally to seven goals in four SPL games.

Samaras netted a late penalty after adding to Shaun Maloney's opener with a superb solo goal.

He picked up the ball in his own half, outpaced Frazer Wright and cut inside to finish with aplomb.

"It was a good run and good finish," the 23-year-old told Setanta Sports.

"I feel really comfortable with myself and you can see this on the pitch.

"It's the second week I am close to a hat-trick. Also against Motherwell, I missed some chances. But I hope the hat-trick will come in the next games."

Celtic were firmly in command at Rugby Park and only conceded in the closing minutes through Mehdi Taouil's spot-kick.

And Samaras is pleased with their form despite Wednesday's 0-0 home draw against Aalborg in the Champions League.

"It was a good performance," the former Manchester City striker said.

"We had chances and we made goals. We were a bit unlucky on Wednesday in the Champions League but today we grabbed our chances and it was a deserved win."

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan feels Samaras will be a "frightening" prospect if he reaches his potential.

"He had a similar opportunity in the first half, it was a magnificent ball from (Shunsuke) Nakamura to put him through early," Strachan said. "It's a long way to run and make up your mind, and he took it and missed it. Then he had the same again, and it was even further this time.

"I thought he was terrific, a bit lackadaisical at times, like we were as a team.

"As I said to him, if he puts it all together, he will be a frightening player."

Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies felt his team were complacent.

"Celtic played well in the first half and really got on top of us," he said.

"And when we got the ball we were so sloppy. I was disappointed we never competed in the first half.

"I think because of the way things are going, they think it will just happen for them.

"The second half was better, I thought they competed but then Samaras comes up with a goal."