Kilmarnock

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• Kilmarnock have won just one of their last six league meetings with Hearts (D3 L2), a 2-1 victory in April 2023.

• Hearts have won three of their last six Scottish Premiership away trips to Kilmarnock (D1 L2), more than their previous 12 top-flight visits beforehand (W2 D5 L5).

• Kilmarnock have won both of their last two league games, last winning three in a row within a single season in the Scottish Premiership in October 2020.

• Hearts have won 62 points in the Scottish Premiership this season, their most in a campaign in the division since 2015-16 (65).

• Lawrence Shankland has scored (21) or assisted (four) 54.3% of Hearts’ Scottish Premiership goals this season (25/46), the only player to be directly involved in at least half of his side’s goals.

Kilmarnock striker Bobby Wales has emerged as a potential summer transfer target for both Torino and Venezia after the 18-year-old impressed with 13 goals in 24 appearances on loan to Alloa Athletic. (Football Scotland), external

Read the rest of Thursday's Scottish gossip.

The push for European football is on and Killie get their post-split campaign under way with a visit from third-placed Hearts.

Who should be given the nod to start at Rugby Park on Sunday?

Put yourself in Derek McInnes' shoes and pick your XI here.

Kenny Crawford
BBC Sport Scotland

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Kilmarnock assistant manager Paul Sheerin has hailed the impact of boss Derek McInnes after leading Kilmarnock from the Championship to the brink of European football.

When the former Aberdeen manager arrived at Rugby Park in January 2022, there were fears the Ayrshire side wouldn't make a rapid return to the top flight.

Having secured promotion and steered the club to save safety last term, Sheerin believes his long-term colleague deserves recognition for his work.

“The has gaffer continually built squads season after season to compete at the top level of the Scottish Premiership,” he said.

“He’s proven that again this season. I’d be surprised if he’s not recognised at some stage.

“There’s a feel-good factor (amongst the fans), we can’t get away from that, but we’re not daft enough to not know that it can turn quickly.”

Fourth-placed Kilmarnock host Hearts, who can wrap up third, on Saturday.

If Killie win and sixth-placed Dundee lose to Celtic on Sunday, McInnes’ men can finish no lower than fifth, which secures football in European competition come the summer.

“We’ll continue to set targets and Europe’s the biggest one for us now,” said Sheerin.

“To achieve that off the back of where we were at this stage last season would be excellent for the club.

“Habits being bred in football is huge. If you manage habits and get into a way of winning games and getting about your work properly, that certainly helps.

Sheerin admits he was “slightly” surprised that no Kilmarnock players were selected in the PFA Scotland Premiership team of the year.

“Obviously you sit here from a biased point of view and there’s certain players who have shown good numbers and players you think probably could’ve been recognised,” he added.

“But you’re understanding there’s a lot of good quality in Scotland and these are all opinions.”

Kenny Crawford
BBC Sport Scotland

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Kilmarnock assistant manager Paul Sheerin has been speaking to the media ahead of his side's meeting with third-placed Hearts on Saturday.

Here are the key points:

• Highlights Derek McInnes' contribution to the club, saying the manager deserves recognition for how far he's taken the Ayrshire side since arriving at Rugby Park.

• The club is enjoying the "feelgood factor" at the moment but are fully aware it can turn quickly so they can't be complacent.

• Says they want to secure European football as soon as possible, which could come this weekend if Killie win and Dundee lose.

• Admits he was "slightly surprised" no Kilmarnock players were included in the PFA Scotland Premiership team of the year.

• There is no update on a contract extension for striker Marley Watkins, who has scored 13 goals this season.

• Greg Stewart is unavailable at the weekend, as is long-term absentee Kyle Magennis.

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With the involvement of injured duo Nathan Patterson and Aaron Hickey at Euro 2024 very much in doubt, Steve Clarke could have a problem to solve at right-wing back.

Perhaps the Scotland boss only has to look at his previous employer to find a potential solution.

Kilmarnock's Danny Armstrong has been a standout at Rugby Park this term, playing either as a right-wing back or winger in Derek McInnes' Europe-chasing side.

The 26-year-old has provided 10 assists and scored six goals in the Premiership this term, all while creating 78 chances across 33 games.

Speaking on the Scottish Football Podcast, coach and analyst John Walker "could see Armstrong as a wildcard".

"I could see it just because he's got flexibility in different positions," Walker adds.

"He allows you to play him as a wing-back and he allows you to have an actual winger in the squad, which we're desperately lacking and don't have to maybe change the system.

"But I think Hickey will still be there. I know he won't have played [for Brentford], but he'll be there and he'll play."

Sandy Armour
Fan writer

There was a story circulating a few months ago that clubs would be asked to vote to outlaw plastic pitches in the Premiership.

Reports this week suggest that vote is going to be put on hold.

I would choose grass pitches all day long, but all the squealing from defeated managers about the 'plastic fantastic' is laughable.

Prior to Stevie Clarke coming to the Theatre of Pies, our home record was abysmal and there was very little said about the surface.

Since then our record has greatly improved and coincidentally so have the excuses from managers who won't take responsibility for their own shortcomings.

It looks like Livingston are away this season so we are the only plastic loves left before moving back to grass for the 2025-26 season.

Hearts visit this weekend after a meek display in their Scottish Cup semi final so Killie should be confident of continuing their great form of 2024.

I predict a narrow Killie win and the Euro dreams would be all but confirmed.

Sandy Armour is the editor of the Killie Hippo fanzine.

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Long-standing Killie Trust director Martin Boyle is set to join the football club's board.

A lifelong fan, Boyle will replace Cathy Jamieson as the trust's director on the Rugby Park board, permitting it is ratified by trust members.

"The trust has come remarkably far in 20 years through the passion and dedication of our members," Boyle said.

"We are fast approaching 1,600 members and I hope we can continue to grow that number while making the very most of our diverse, passionate fans and members - they are the beating heart of the club.

"It is also an honour to be stepping up to fill the role which has been performed by Cathy for the last six years as our first ever trust director."

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Coventry City captain Liam Kelly insists he is "proud" of his teammates, despite VAR ruining their "magical moment".

The former Kilmarnock midfielder was an unused substitute as Coventry were beaten on penalties in their FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United having seen an injury-time winner in extra-time chopped off by VAR.

Kelly spent three-and-a-half years with Killie between 2009 and 2013 and was part of the 2012 League Cup winning side.

He moved down south in 2013 and joined Coventry in 2017 (and has since become their longest serving player), but still has family in Scotland who made the trip to Wembley on Sunday.

"I had a lot of family come down for the game," he said.

"Some of them came straight from the Celtic semi-final at Hampden. They've been treated to two good semi-finals in the space of two days!

"It's been a fantastic run and full credit to the players out on the pitch because it was a moment to be proud of.

"Since I've been at Coventry, we've made a habit of scoring late but I've not seen a comeback like that. At 2-0 down you think maybe we can nick a goal and have a chance but then the third goes in and in all honesty the game looks like it's gone.

"But they managed to pull themselves back with a never-say-die attitude, not lying down, and giving it everything they had.

"We thought that was it, just for it to be taken away by what was an incredibly tight VAR call. That's what VAR is there for but it's ruined a magical FA Cup moment."

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Kyle Vassell admits he had doubts about taking up the captaincy at Kilmarnock, but says the role has helped him "relax" at Rugby Park.

The 31-year-old is loving life in his second year at the Ayrshire club, having scored 10 goals in all competitions and leading his side to the cusp of European football.

Wearing armband has been "tough" at times, he says, but Derek McInnes has ensured it doesn't weight too heavy on the striker.

"I love playing football here," Vassell told club media. "I like being captain. When he first asked me, I was a bit unsure.

“I’ve had my moments this season where I have thought: 'Oh God, this is a really tough job'. But I am growing into it.

“I still take things on board that maybe I don’t need to, but I feel I do need to because I am captain of the team.

“However it has made me just relax. I can be relaxed on the pitch a bit more and, having done that, I am playing good football again, so I always sing his praises.

“I say how brilliant he is with me and, genuinely, he has been. He has made me such a better player. Coached me how I need to be coached."

We asked you which players with deals expiring in the summer you would like to keep at Kilmarnock.

Here are some of your views:

Colin: A fully-fit Greg Stewart would be an asset. Liam Polworth is worth keeping as he contributes a lot. Innes Cameron has never really looked Premiership level, time to let go. We should work on keeping Stuart Findlay permanently and get Corrie Ndaba and Will Dennis back on loan. If we can, the core squad is very solid and would be great to keep it intact.

Keith: Marley Watkins would be a great player to keep at Rugby Park.

Neil: I would desperately try and retain Will Dennis as he has been a stable and consistent performer in the team, and it's been a while since we've had a regular in that position for more than a season. Watkins is another who I would tie into a deal for next season.

Anon: Polworth deserves a new deal, he's been brilliant this season and goes under the radar. I'd also like Stewart to trigger the extension in his contract and get the hernia operation done before pre-season, he could play a big part next season if fit. Findlay and Ndaba's loans, I imagine, will be looked to be made permanent.

Charlie: Having a good season. Keep Polworth, Findlay, Stewart, Dennis. But a couple are on loan from other clubs, so might be difficult to keep them.

Anon: I would keep Watkins, Polworth, Cameron and Stewart. I would like to see us signing an experienced keeper rather than relying on loans. I think Kerry McInroy, Jack Sanders and Kieran O’Hara will move on and be replaced with permanent signings.

Jim: Big decisions, the players have all contributed to this year's success. A lot hangs on the players who are on loan, and if they come back next year or not. Also some of our players must have popped up on the radar from other clubs, can we hold on to them?

With several players out of contract in the summer, clubs up and down the country are considering who they want to be involved next season.

Derek McInnes has made no secret of his desire to keep Marley Watkins in Ayrshire, while Liam Polworth, Greg Stewart and Innes Cameron's deals are also up.

The other players set to leave Rugby Park are Kerr McInroy, Kieran O'Hara, Steven Warnock and Jack Sanders.

Who are you desperate to keep, and who would you be happy to wave goodbye to?

Let us know.

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Kilmarnock face a third trip to Dundee of the campaign on the final day of the Scottish Premiership season.

Derek McInnes' men will also travel to Rangers and St Mirren as they look to secure European football.

Hearts will look to make it three wins from three at Rugby Park this term, while Celtic aim to avenge their two defeats in Ayrshire in the penultimate league outing.

Kilmarnock's post-split fixtures (All times BST)

• Hearts (H) - Saturday 27 April, 15:00

• Rangers (A) - Sunday 5 May, 13:00

• St Mirren (A) - Saturday 11 May, 15:00

• Celtic (H) - Wednesday 15 May, 19:30

• Dundee (A) - Saturday 18 May, 12:30

Sandy Armour
Fan writer

Perth is always a difficult venue, but once again, Killie were excellent and fully deserving of the three points.

There were excellent individual performances all over the park, though I'd give a special mention to Lewis Mayo who has been top quality all season and was outstanding at the heart of the defence.

We've given lots of praise recently to the team and management but have neglected the most important folk, the fans.

Once again we travelled in great numbers on Saturday and gave superb backing for 90 minutes. I've always argued that Killie are the best in the land when looking at the ratio of away fans compared to the home crowd and I'll stick by that.

The fans fully deserve the chance of a trip to Europe, once again a chance to make unforgettable memories watching Killie.

It's a free weekend coming up so it's the perfect time to send off that passport application if required.

Sandy Armour is the editor of the Killie Hippo fanzine.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

A clean sheet and a goal, not a bad day's work for Joe Wright at the weekend.

The centre-half has spurned a few good chances in recent weeks, so the sense of relief was palpable as he put Kilmarnock into the lead at McDiarmid Park on Saturday.

Switching to a back three seemed to suit the Englishman, who showed the best of his game in a dominant display.

Pat Nevin and Richard Foster join Liam McLeod to pick over the bones of another incredible weekend of Scottish football drama.

They look back on Ross County’s historic victory over Rangers and discuss what impact it could have at both ends of the table.

They also assess the jobs done by Tony Docherty and Nick Montgomery as Dundee secure their place in the top 6 at the expense of Hibs and Motherwell.

Listen to today's episode of the Scottish Football Podcast here.

We asked for your thoughts after Kilmarnock beat St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.

Here's what you had to say:

John: Brilliant result. This was a tricky game on paper, but this team have learned to beat these teams.

Mark: Derek McInnes surely a stick-on now for manager of the year. Fourth place and European football all but secured before a post-split ball has been kicked. An incredible season!

David: A good all-round performance. I thought Liam Donnelly continued his impressive run - a player who was much maligned by the fans has turned the perception of him around.