Kilmarnock

David Currie
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Stephen Robinson has revealed he's become a Rugby Park regular recently - and so has his wife.

Never mind a leisurely Sunday lunch or romantic walks in the countryside. The Robinsons have been on reconnaissance missions with a future date at Hampden in mind.

Robinson's St Mirren play Kilmarnock in the quarter-finals of the Premier Sports Cup on Saturday, and the hosts have been well scouted as the Buddies seek just a second win at Rugby Park since 2013.

"I've watched a lot of Killie. It's my local team, so I get to see them. I've dragged my wife along every Sunday to watch them lately," said Robinson.

"They've got some very, very good players. They have a lot of physicality on the team, but also a mix of really talented boys as well. It would be nice to get one over on them.

"We go there confident after our start to the league season but it's a tough game. It's an opportunity for both sides."

Robinson wants to reward the Saints support by securing a semi-final trip to Hampden.

He added: "I've said to the players, sometimes these opportunities sometimes come around once in a career, so you have to grab these opportunities.

"It can bring the whole town together. It can really lift people's spirits, people rely on this football club. A lot of times it's their life and what they cling on to. So we'll be doing everything in our power to make sure we're in that semi-final.

"You see the display the fans put on last Saturday in the league match away at Falkirk and what they've done during the season, the amount of effort and time and money that's spent on it. You'd love to reward them.

"We feel like we've earned this opportunity because it's been a long time in the making. We started right at the early rounds and had some really good performances."

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Long-serving Kilmarnock midfielder Rory McKenzie admits reaching a cup final with a chance to lift silverware is a driving force at this stage of his career.

Kilmarnock host St Mirren in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals on Friday evening with the victor guaranteed a trip to Hampden in the last four.

McKenzie was out on loan in 2012 and watched from the stands when the Ayrshire side lifted the League Cup, a feat he thinks the club should have come closer to repeating in the intervening years.

"I think there should be [more trophy success since] but you can never guarantee anything," the 31-year-old said.

"I think we need to look at St Johnstone [winning the League Cup and Scottish Cup], just a few years ago. We can take a lot from that. I think in the last few years, especially, luck of the draw as well comes into it a bit.

"It's almost cliche, but every manager that gets the job, they talk about that, that not many players get a chance to win trophies.

"Especially at a club like Kilmarnock, I've experienced it once, winning the Championship, but to have a cup run and get to a final and to win another trophy, a cup, would be the icing on the cake for me."

McKenzie, a Killie academy graduate who is in his testimonial season, has one solitary appearance at the national stadium.

He started in the 2-0 League Cup semi-final defeat to Celtic in January 2023, a scoreline that did little justice to the performance Kilmarnock produced on the day as they pushed the eventual trophy winners all the way.

"I've only been there once," he said. "It's probably the only thing that needs ticked off for me personally. The occasion last time against Celtic was a really enjoyable one and one that we've been close to a few times. It's never happened since, so it'd mean a lot.

"I think there have been a few occasions that we were just about there. My experience last time against Celtic, it was just so different to anything that I'd had before playing at Hampden, in front of so many people and doing really well as well.

"You can never expect to get there. I feel kind of disappointed that we haven't taken advantage of a few of the games."

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The draw for the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals will take place on Sunday after Partick Thistle v Celtic (15:30 BST) concludes.

The semis will be played on the weekend of 1-2 November with the final scheduled for Sunday, 14 December.

St Mirren's trip to Kilmarnock on Friday night (19:45) gets the quarter-finals under way before Aberdeen host Motherwell (15:00) on Saturday followed by Rangers v Hibs (17:45).

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Kilmarnock manager Stuart Kettlewell believes a "standard" has been set in what should be considered a penalty for handball after Celtic were controversially awarded an added-time spot-kick, which led to a 2-1 defeat for the Ayrshire side on Sunday.

The ball ricocheted on to Lewis Mayo's hands from close range, which were up in front of his chest, with referee John Beaton awarding a penalty after being called to review his original decision by the VAR.

Kettlewell now expects to see many more incidents of that nature penalised.

"My conclusion that I draw under it is, we see an awful lot of penalties, and a lot that people are going to be really, really frustrated by," he said.

"Everything I'll question is, if those incidents aren't giving us penalties then that one was wrong. If they are giving them there's a consistency in that.

"I would be amazed if you speak to any clubs that want that to be given as a penalty. Now I believe we've set a standard in what's going to be a penalty, so I would envisage that those types of scenarios, and maybe even not as harsh as that, I would imagine that they will now be given.

"There has to be a consistency in the decision-making within the games. I think we have set a precedent on Sunday here of what's going to be given as a penalty."

The former Motherwell and Ross County boss confirmed he has not sought clarification from Scottish FA head of referee operations Willie Collum, having previously been under the impression that incidents of that nature would not be punished.

Ahead of the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final at home to St Mirren on Friday evening, Kettlewell believes his side are playing well, despite being unable to win any of their opening five Premiership fixtures.

"We've been fine," he said. "We want more from ourselves, we want to win games of football.

"What spin do we put on statistics? Unbeaten in nine or do we want to say that we've not won in the league? It depends what way you look at it.

"I can guarantee you at that point just now they're performing at a high level, the confidence is good and I think generally when you're in that place then it gives you a chance in your next game."

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Kilmarnock manager Stuart Kettlewell has been talking to the media before the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final at home to St Mirren on Friday night.

Here are the key points:

• Following Celtic's controversial late winner at Rugby Park on Sunday, Kettlewell believes a "standard" has been set in "what's going to be a penalty" this season and if similar incidents "aren't given as penalties, then that one was wrong".

• The Kilmarnock boss was keen to move on and focus on the quarter-final but confirmed he has not sought further clarification from SFA head of referee operations Willie Collum.

• "I think I'd be speaking for the vast majority of people within Scottish football and tell you we don't want to see them given as penalties," he continued, adding that his conclusion is we'll see "an awful lot of penalties, and a lot that people are going to be really, really frustrated by".

• Overall, Kettlewell called for "consistency" in penalties being awarded.

• On the chance to reach a semi-final at Hampden, Kettlewell says "you go into every season with the hope and desire to try and get there," suggesting he may need to divert from Plan A to Plan B, C and D as both teams will have a good go at progressing.

• He believes Killie have been performing to a high level without getting rewarded with victories and says it boils down to "execution".

• He expects a "couple" of players who have been missing through injury to be pushing for a place in the squad or a starting berth on Friday night.

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Former Kilmarnock goalkeeper Kieran O'Hara says Dundee is a "good fit" after signing for the Dens Park club until the end of the season.

The 29-year-old, capped twice for Republic of Ireland, was a free agent after two seasons at Rugby Park during which he made 27 appearances.

O'Hara, who began his career with Manchester United, said: "I'm delighted to get the deal over the line. It's a big club with a rich history.

"I didn't want to rush into anything, and I like to think that I did that, and I'm delighted to get the deal here as I think it is a good fit.

"I spoke with the gaffer and Glen [Johnson], the goalie coach, and players who have played here in the past, and they all spoke highly of the club.

"I've played at Dens before with Kilmarnock and it's a good stadium with good fans, so I'm really looking forward to it."

Sandy Armour
Fan writer

I was hoping just to write a wee article looking forward to our quarter-final aginst St Mirren this Friday.

However, my chins are still wobbling with rage about that ridiculous penalty decision awarded to Celtic on Sunday.

Willie Collum can save himself some time, whenever Matthew MacDermid is involved in a Killie game just write your apology to us and hand it in before the match.

I hope the club submit an official complaint and request he is never appointed to another Killie game.

We have the chance to quickly bounce back and earn a trip to Hampden if we can overcome in-form St Mirren at the Theatre of Pies on Friday.

We will hopefully see a few players back from the treatment room and if we can show the same desire as we did on Sunday I fancy we may be looking forward to another semi-final.

Sandy Armour is editor of The Killie Hippo fanzine

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Kilmarnock defender Robbie Deas admits he was "raging" after a penalty was given in their Premiership defeat by Celtic on Sunday.

Kelechi Iheanacho scored from the spot in the 96th minute at Rugby Park to secure a 2-1 win for the visitors after the ball ricocheted off Deas' boot onto teammate Lewis Mayo's arm.

VAR advised referee John Beaton to go to the pitchside monitor and he gave the penalty as a result.

"It was a big sickener," said Deas. "I don't understand how it's been given. I blocked the shot away from goal and Mayo was not even half a yard away from me.

"I was raging. I thought we looked like the team that was going to go and win the game, and then to go and lose the game in that sort of manner is just an absolute sickener."

Stuart Kettlewell's side are still winless in the league this season, but Deas insists they can take confidence into Friday's Premier Sports Cup quarter-final against St Mirren.

"The boys were gutted, but I think we can take a lot from the game," he said. "We showed we can go out and compete and I don't think we deserved to lose the game.

"It was such a good performance. I think we should take so many positives from the game.

"We'll analyse the game as we always do, we'll forget about the penalty incident, it's not going to change anything now. We'll focus on the positives and learn from the negatives and look forward to the game on Friday.

"We've got a quarter-final to look forward to and we've got an opportunity to get the club to Hampden."

We asked for your views following Kilmarnock's Scottish Premiership defeat by Celtic on Sunday.

A controversial last-minute penalty decision allowed Celtic debutant Kelechi Iheanacho to win it from the spot.

Here's what you had to say:

Ryan: Thought we were worth at least the point and looked to be the only ones capable of winning it until the penalty. Not entirely sure how Mayo is in an 'unnatural position'. He'd have to have reflexes like Superman to get out the way.

Matt: Unfortunate to lose in the way we did. The game plan worked well but still looks like we lack proper quality when attacking. Celtic looked poor and a draw would have been fair. There definitely needs to be some clarity when it comes to the penalty rules. Hopefully we get a good performance on Friday night!

Stephen: The penalty decision was a disgrace. Had the incident been the other way round, we would never have been awarded it. That said, we were far too late in taking the game to Celtic. Once we did, they looked very vulnerable. When we scored, we looked more likely to get a winner. David Watson was magnificent, but he needs stronger players beside him in midfield. At times he was taking on the Celtic midfield on his own.

Alan: Kilmarnock were excellent today and more than matched Celtic. David Watson in particular was outstanding, but once again spoiled by refereeing blunders. The penalty is bad enough but the decision to give Celtic the throw-in for the first goal was ridiculous.

Derek: What an absolute disgrace. A fantastic second half that swung back and forth, ultimately decided by a piece of dreadful refereeing.

Alasdair: Yet another soft penalty award to the Old Firm. I've been watching this for decades. It never changes. Just reverse the scenario. Do Killie get the same decision if the ball strikes a Celtic arm? Never in a million years.

Craig: We played well and were well worth a point at least but that decision is an absolute disgrace, what is Mayo meant to do with his arm in that situation when it's a deflection? Win on Friday now and get to Hampden.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

David Watson's towering performance was matched by his towering header to equalise against Celtic.

The heart of a lion and an inspirational figure for the Rugby Park faithful.

Kilmarnock manager Stuart Kettlewell talks to BBC Scotland after his side were beaten 2-1 by Celtic after a controversial late penalty.

Watch the highlights as Celtic's controversial late penalty snatched all three points against Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership.

Available to UK users only.

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Kilmarnock manager Stuart Kettlewell: "Frustration, disappointed. Gutted for the players, not for myself.

"To lose it in that nature is heart-breaking for them, sore one for us all. We looked like the team that would go on and win it.

"Players executed the game plan really well through stages."

On the penalty decision: "I sat here with the players and staff for a referee's meeting. That type of incident was addressed.

"We were under the impression that wasn't going to be given as a penalty any more.

"I'm probably one of the most black and white guys you'll ever find. Of course I'm frustrated if that's what I've been told.

"If that's not the case or the rule, someone will have to tell me."

Debutant Kelechi Iheanacho's added-time penalty gave Celtic a dramatic win at Kilmarnock to go top of the Scottish Premiership.

Have your say on the game here.

Read the match report here.

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Defender Robbie Deas is confident Kilmarnock can make Celtic's weekend trip to Rugby Park a difficult one.

Stuart Kettlewell's men went into the international break winless but unbeaten in the league following four successive draws.

The Ayrshire side have lost 16 of their past 19 league meetings with the champions, but Brendan Rodgers has suffered defeat at Rugby Park four times across both spells as Celtic boss.

"They've come here before, it's a difficult place to come and we're confident in our own ability to go and get a result," said centre-back Deas.

"My full time at the club, we've tried to make it a horrible place to come. Our home record speaks for itself and we've picked up some really good results in the past.

"There's always a lot of noise about Celtic, but we really focus on ourselves and what we can do.

"If you want to achieve things in the league, go for the top six and a European spot, you need to get results against Celtic."

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Kilmarnock have a couple of players to assess, but manager Stuart Kettlewell does not expect the numbers available for the game against Motherwell just before the international break to change.

New Celtic signings Sebastian Tounekti, the winger signed from Hammarby, and former Sevilla striker Kelechi Iheanacho are in contention for debuts, while Scotland left-back Kieran Tierney is expected to be fit after withdrawing from international duty with an injury.

But defenders Anthony Ralston, Auston Trusty and Alistair Johnston, plus winger Jota, miss out again.

Claire Thomson
BBC Sport Scotland

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Kilmarnock manager Stuart Kettlewell insists his side will ignore "exterior noise" as Celtic fans plan to protest their dissatisfaction with the club's board this weekend at Rugby Park.

His side are still seeking a first Premiership win this season, having gone into the international break following four successive draws.

But as Celtic supporters enter the ground after the 12th minute, Kettlewell wants Killie to stay fully focused on on-field matters.

"There always seems to be some narrative surrounding Celtic and Rangers that people want to latch on to. I've seen it since I was a young child but I don't listen to it for a second," he said.

"Celtic are a top side. They've continued to win trophies time and time again, because of the standard they have set and they have continually raised the bar and been able to maintain it.

"The players know we're playing against the team that has set the bar for so many years and it's going to be a difficult day.

"I've seen it before with fans from other clubs but what people need to understand for my team, the focus will be solely on the job at hand.

"We won't listen to that exterior noise, so it doesn't become a factor.

"We have to do our job to the best of our ability and it's not something we will discuss as a football club."

Claire Thomson
BBC Sport Scotland

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Kilmarnock manager Stuart Kettlewell has been speaking to the media as his side prepare to host Celtic in the Premiership this weekend.

Here are the main points:

• He insists the team have coped well with the turnover of players and change of manager, but had thought he could've got one or two more signings in before transfer deadline day.

• Killie are unbeaten this season - a nine-game run - which Kettlewell says is "not a bad place to start" as he strives for a first league victory and more points. He wants his side to continue to be a "decent threat".

• On Celtic fans' late entry protest at Rugby Park, Kettlewell says he has seen it before with other clubs but the focus of his team will be fully on the match and they will not discuss it.

• He expects the match to be tough as Brendan Rodgers' side have "continually raised the bar and been able to maintain it".

• Kettlewell was proud to see David Watson wear the captain's armband during Scotland's Under-21 match against Portugal.

• He emphasised he plans to continue empowering and helping young players to close the gap to Killie's first team and is "not fearful of leaving out one of the senior or experienced players to introduce one of the young players".

• Kettlewell expects to have the same squad available, despite hoping some injured players would be back to full fitness following the international break.

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• Kilmarnock have lost 16 of their past 19 league meetings with Celtic (W1 D2), including their latest four in a row, all by a margin of 2+ goals.

• Celtic have won seven and lost just one of their past nine league visits to Rugby Park (D1), winning their latest two by an aggregate score of 7-0.

• Kilmarnock have drawn their first four league matches this season, their longest run of consecutive draws in the top flight since a stretch of four between February and March 2000.

• Celtic are unbeaten in 10 league matches (W7 D3) since a 1-0 defeat to St Johnstone in April, winning by a 2+ goal margin in six of their seven victories in this time.

• Celtic are yet to concede a league goal and could keep a clean sheet in all of their first five Premiership matches for a second consecutive season after doing so last term, a run of games that included a 4-0 victory against Kilmarnock.

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Manager Stuart Kettlewell insists Kilmarnock are "happy but want more" as they prepare to host Celtic on Sunday.

The Rugby Park side went into the international break unbeaten in the Premiership following four successive draws to join Motherwell and Rangers in the middle of the table.

But Kettlewell wants to win as he turns his focus to the next batch of games.

"We're happy with what we've done and the standards we've set but we want more. We want three points," he told Sky Sports.

"Draws can be good but we want to win games, that is what changes the complexity of the league table and the feeling around the place.

"It's a big task on Sunday. When you play against Celtic, you play against serial winners. They have set the standards for so many years.

"It's going to be a difficult game but we want to go in with the belief that we can be ultra competitive and pose a few problems for Celtic.

"I'm happy with the squad but I would've hoped we'd have welcomed one or two [players who have been injured] back."