Kilmarnock

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Cercle Bruges head coach Miron Muslic has described Kilmarnock's pitch as being "in very bad condition" ahead of Thursday's Europa League qualifier.

In his post-match media conference, the Austrian made several references to the playing surface before he was directly asked about it.

"That’s something we cannot control," he said. "I cannot put too much energy into this.

"Of course, it’s new and challenging and also the pitch is in very bad condition. It's not a new artificial pitch, it's just an old one.

"But that's something we cannot control. We can control a strong performance and this is our plan.

"We have one team in our competition, St Truiden, who play on an artificial pitch, so we face them once a year. The last two games we won 1-0 and 2-0, so hopefully this is a good omen."

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Kilmarnock forward Kyle Vassell says the chance to take on European opposition is "special" after a long and varied career of domestic football.

Captain Vassell is likely to lead the line when Killie host Cercle Bruges in Thursday's Europa League second qualifying round first leg.

The 31-year-old played throughout England's lower leagues and briefly in the United States before joining Kilmarnock in 2023.

"It’d be special, the stuff of dreams," he said.

"Obviously I want to win the game but for me personally it’d be amazing to score, and get off the mark for the season. I’m looking forward to trying to do that.

"This place will be rocking tomorrow and if we do our job on the pitch I want to say we can beat anyone here."

Kilmarnock fans have sold out their home and away ticket allocations and manager Derek McInnes has impressed on his players how much the game means to the town and the club’s support.

"The crowd has always played it’s part - some of the most significant nights we’ve had at Rugby Park over the last two-and-a-half seasons have been synonymous with a big crowd and a big effort from the fans," said McInnes.

"There’s a trust in the team from the supporters, which helps and we’re going to need everything we can get to turn the advantage. [Bruges] have got huge resources over us but we feel it’s a game we can win and we’ve got to believe that.

"There’s a generation of Kilmarnock fans who have not had the opportunity to travel abroad with the team and we want to make the most of it.

"This is exactly where we want to be as a club and hopefully once that ball rolls tomorrow we set about that ask of being a good team."

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Derek McInnes recalled his first Kilmarnock game to emphasise how far his side have come during his two-and-a-half years in charge.

The former Aberdeen manager's tenure kicked off with a 2-0 victory at Queen of the South in January 2022 in front of a Covid-restricted crowd of 500 fans.

Then a Championship side, that win put the Ayrshire club two points behind second-tier leaders Arbroath.

McInnes went on to guide Kilmarnock to a dramatic top-flight promotion and Premiership survival the following the season.

After a fourth-placed finish last term, they are now a day away from taking on Cercle Bruges at a sell-out Rugby Park in the first leg of their Europa League second-round qualifier.

Speaking prior to Thursday's visit of the Belgian side, which will be shown live on BBC Scotland, McInnes recalled: "When you look back to when we took over, we had a horrible game at Queen of the South, hardly anybody there.

"Now we've got this type of fixture to look forward to. Now we’re here, we just want to have a go at it.

"The opportunity of competing in Europe doesn't come round every year for ourselves. We'd like to get to the stage where it becomes more frequent."

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Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes has been speaking to the media as his side prepare for their Europa League first-leg qualifier with Cercle Bruges on Thursday:

Here are the key lines:

• McInnes says his side need to remind themselves the game is there to be enjoyed, adding that the opportunity of competing in Europe doesn't come around every year.

• He knows they don't need to win the first leg at home but stressed that everything is much more difficult if you don't.

• McInnes wants his side to prove why they are in Europe and the game on Thursday is an opportunity to demonstrate that.

• He says he's not signed too many players because he enjoyed the team last season and wants to see improvements from that core group, who will be tested on Thursday.

• In terms of other potential new signings, the Kilmarnock boss says they're holding out to get the ones they want rather than ones that are available.

• McInnes feels a sell-out Rugby Park will be big help on Thursday and says they're going to need everything they can get from that advantage.

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Kilmarnock's Premiership match against St Johnstone at Rugby Park next month will now take place on Sunday, 11 August at 15:00 BST.

The game was originally scheduled to take place a day prior but has been changed because of the Ayrshire side's involvement in Europe on the Thursday before.

Derek McInnes' men will be playing Molde or Silkeborg in Europa League third-round round qualifying if they get past Cercle Bruges.

If Kilmarnock lose to the Belgian side, they will drop into the same stage of Conference League qualifying and will face Tromso of Norway or KuPS of Finland.

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The draw for the last 16 of the Scottish League Cup will take place on Sunday.

It will be broadcast live on Premier Sports following their coverage of Motherwell v Partick Thistle at Fir Park, which kicks off at 15:00 BST.

The top-flight's five European representatives - holders Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Kilmarnock and St Mirren - will enter the draw and will also be seeded, along with the three best group winners.

All last-16 ties are scheduled to played on the weekend of 17/18 August.

Kilmarnock are trying to finalise the signing of Corrie Ndaba before this week's Europa League first-leg match against Cercle Bruges, with the 24-year-old defender not part of Ipswich Town's plans following their promotion to the Premier League. (Herald - subscription), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip

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Molde: The side who have had Erling Moe in charge since 2018 finished fifth in the Eliteserien last year and currently sit third behind Bodo/Glimt and Brann. A largely home-grown squad includes two midfielders who came through Manchester United's academy and had spells with Cardiff City - captain Magnus Wolff Eikrem and Mats Moller Dæhli.

Finished third in their Europa League group won by Bayer Leverkusen last season before losing to Club Bruges in the Conference League last 16.

Silkeborg: The side managed by former Aston Villa and Denmark centre-back Kent Nielsen were sixth in last season's Danish Superliga. Another largely home-grown squad includes Peru right-back Oliver Sonne and Kazakhstan midfielder Ramazan Orazov.

Finished third in West Ham United's Conference League group two seasons ago.

Tromso: Jorgen Vik and Gard Holme are joint head coaches after Gaute Helstrup moved to be Bodo/Glimt assistant and currently sit 12th in the Norwegian top flight after last year's third-place finish. A largely home-grown squad is captained by former Norway midfielder Ruben Yttergard Jenssen, while goalkeepers Jakob Haugaard and Simon Thomas have experience in the UK with Stoke City and Huddersfield Town and Newport County respectively.

Last reached the Europa League group stage in 2013-14.

KuPS Kuopio: Were runners-up in Finland's Veikkausliiga in Jani Honkavaara's first season as head coach and he was recently appointed Finland assistant. A largely home-grown squad includes midfielder Jaakko Oksanen, who had a spell with Greenock Morton on loan from Brentford.

Lost to Derry City in the second round of Conference League qualifying last season but beat Luxembourg side UNA Strassen in this season's first round.

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Kilmarnock will meet Molde or Silkeborg of Denmark in the Europa League third qualifying round if they get past Cercle Bruges.

Should they lose to the Belgians, the Ayrshire side will drop into the Conference League third qualifying round, where they will take on whoever wins between Tromso of Norway and KuPS Kuopio of Finland.

If Kilmarnock were to win their third qualifying-round tie, they would face a play-off to reach the league phase, which replaces the group stage this season.

The first leg of Kilmarnock against Cercle on Thursday (19:30 BST) will be shown live on BBC Scotland and iPlayer.

Molde or Silkeborg will be at home first against Kilmarnock or Cercle, with the two legs played on 8 and 15 August.

Derek McInnes' side will be at home first should they lose to Cercle and face either Tromso or KuPS instead.

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Kilmarnock warmed up for next week's Europa League qualifier with a comfortable 5-0 friendly victory over Barrow at Rugby Park.

A Joe Wright header found the net via a visiting defender to give the hosts a half-time lead.

Danny Armstrong tucked away two penalties in the second half, either side of a well-placed shot from Marley Watkins.

And Fraser Murray capped a fine evening for the home support by finding the top corner of the net with a curling strike.

Kilmarnock, who finished fourth in the Premiership last season, kick off the new campaign at home to Cercle Bruges on Thursday evening.

BBC Scotland will provide live TV coverage of the second qualifying round first leg.

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Greg Stewart is back in India for a third spell following his Kilmarnock exit.

The 34-year-old forward has signed for Mohun Bagan on a one-year deal, having had stints at Mumbai City and Jamshedpur.

Stewart, who also spent time with Dundee, Aberdeen and Rangers, joined Kilmarnock for a second time in January, but made just one Premiership start and failed to find the net in 11 outings.

Greg Stewart, who ended last season with Kilmarnock, is top of Indian Super League club Mohun Bagan's three-man striker shortlist, but they can only sign the 34-year-old if fellow forward Armando Sadiku leaves the club. (Mykhel), external

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

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As Kilmarnock prepare for Cercle Bruges next week, their last European foray still provides a painful and embarrassing memory.

Having secured a magnificent third-place Premiership finish under Steve Clarke in 2019, Killie were under the guidance of Angelo Alessio by the time they embarked on their Europa League qualifying campaign in mid-July.

It was job done in the first leg against minnows Connah’s Quay Nomads as the Italian led his side to a 2-1 victory in Wales.

That result put Killie firmly in the driving seat for the return at Rugby Park, which was also Alessio's first in the dugout in Ayrshire.

The tie was poised at 1-0 to Connah's Quay, a result that would have secured Killie's progression on the now defunct away goals rule.

But 11 minutes from time Stuart Findlay hauled down Jamie Insall to earn a straight red card and give away a penalty that Callum Morris converted.

And just like that, Killie were dumped out of Europe at the first hurdle.

Alessio apologised to fans for the humiliating loss while opposite number Andy Morrison, a Scot, hail his side’s win as "one of the biggest upsets in the history of Europa League".

Derek McInnes’ Killie are now the underdogs as they look to secure Europa League progress against Cercle Bruges, who finished fourth in the Belgian top flight last season.

Can the Rugby Park men bring some European joy back to Ayrshire?

We asked for your views on what would be a successful season for Kilmarnock.

Here's what some of you said:

Kerr: I think fourth again would be another great result for us. Other teams will strengthen as well, and be better than last year so I’d say top six and making it to a European group stage would be spot on.

Grant: A successful season is top six again. Let’s not run before we can walk, last season was excellent finishing fourth and quarter-finals of both cups, ideally fourth or fifth in the league and maybe a cup final would be amazing, but consolidation of last season by staying top six would be brilliant. Europe is a bonus!

Graeme: Fourth was a fantastic season for Killie. They may struggle to match that again with Aberdeen and Hibs likely to have much better seasons. Sixth this year would be another great result for Killie even if it meant no European football in 2025/26.

Alisdair: Group stage in the Europa League, a top-six finish again and a wee cup final success would be ideal.

Marwan: More of the same will be successful to me, but qualifying for Europe will be amazing.

Scott: To do at least the same as last season, maybe go for third, but would be happy with fourth again.

Charlie: A top-six finish again. Maybe get to a cup final, and perform well in Europe.

Graeme: At least top-four again this season, a couple of rounds in Europe and a decent cup run. That would be a good season in my eyes.

Amy: Our target should be to try and make the top six again and get to Hampden. Our signings have been really positive, keeping the nucleus of our squad together especially, so really positive going into the season. Especially as we have the best manager in the league.

Iain: Semi-final of Europe, quarter-final of the league cup, out second round of the Scottish Cup and second in the league.

Robert: To have good season and stay in the top half of the league and maybe get a couple of more players.

Malcolm: Use last season's success to recruit well and maintain a top-four position with the drive ever upwards. We can compete with the Old Firm so why not look at third or second place as a reality?

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Derek McInnes admits there is a sense of disappointment after Kilmarnock lost a pre-season Ayrshire derby on Thursday night.

County rivals Ayr United prevailed in a 3-2 thriller at Somerset Park, with Brad Lyons and Robbie Deas grabbing the Killie goals.

"We're aware of the rivalry between the two clubs," McInnes told club media. "I just thought Ayr looked ahead of us in terms of preparation.

"You've always got to be disappointed when you represent the club - whether it's a pre-season friendly, testimonial, or a proper game - against Ayr.

"Hopefully, in time, we'll get a proper game against Ayr. Hopefully they'll be good enough some time to get to the Premiership and we'll have a game.

"Scott Brown might just be the manager that does it because they've got a good squad here.

"When it's a local derby, of course the result matters. It's a disappointing result, but equally, I've never been too caught up on pre-season games in terms of results."

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Kilmarnock suffered a 3-2 Ayrshire derby defeat in their pre-season friendly at Somerset Park in Robby McCrorie's first game since the goalkeeper was signed from Rangers.

Centre-back George Stanger gave Ayr United the lead after 25 minutes, with Marco Rus, the midfield summer arrival from Coventry City, extending the hosts' advantage nine minutes later.

Midfielder Brad Lyons pulled one back just before the break, but Ayr restored the two-goal cushion from the penalty spot through Anton Dowds, who moved from Partick Thistle this summer, after a challenge on fellow forward George Oakley.

Central defender Robbie Deas replied for Kilmarnock after 72 minutes, but Ayr prevailed to add to their impressive pre-season after drawing 1-1 with Celtic on Friday.

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After a season of success at Kilmarnock, is there a growing concern manager Derek McInnes could follow the same path as the last man to guide them into Europe?

It's certainly a fear for fan podcaster Paul Montgomery, who feels he is potentially watching a "re-run" of Steve Clarke's exit.

Having guided the Rugby Park side to a third-placed finish, Clarke left Ayrshire to take the Scotland job.

The former Kilmarnock boss remains in post at Hampden despite a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, and Montgomery hopes that means at least "another couple of seasons" of McInnes.

"McInnes is still ambitious," he told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast. "He's a brilliant manager, especially at this level, and I'm sure he'll have already had offers.

"My concern about McInnes in terms of staying with Killie would probably be the Scotland job. It feels like it's a kind of re-run of the Clarke stuff.

"He seems settled, but I'm not naive enough to think he's going to be here for another 10 years. If we get another couple of seasons of stability, then he can go to Scotland or Real Madrid or something like that."

Former Kilmarnock goalkeeper Cammy Bell added: "I'm pretty sure he is an ambitious guy and I'm pretty sure he will have one eye on the Scotland job at some point in his managerial career.

"Whether that's within the next two, three, five, 10 years, I don't know. But I don't really see him going to any other club in Scotland."

Ex-Kilmarnock goalkeeper Cammy Bell is backing his former side to progress to the group stage of European football this season.

Click here to listen to more on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.