Kilmarnock

Sandy Armour
Fan writer

As a Kilmarnock fan for over half a century, I've witnessed many highs and lows but the trip to Bruges last week was undoubtedly my favourite away trip ever.

Along with another 3000 Killie fans, we took over the stunning Flemish city and although the result went against us, the memories that were made will never be forgotten.

Of course we have another upcoming European adventure against Tromso, however clubs like Killie do not have the squad depth to perform consistently with such a busy fixture list.

That was never more evident than when we travelled to Celtic on Sunday and looked like a team at the end of a long hard season rather than at the outset.

It may well be a few weeks down the line before we get a settled line-up who will try and emulate last season's excellent top six finish.

After the Norwegians on Thursday we welcome St Johnstone to the plastic fantastic on Sunday and that's a game we need to be winning to get our season up and running.

It's a hectic schedule, but I'm loving every minute of it.

Sandy Armour is the editor of the Killie Hippo fanzine

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Kyle Vassell has urged his team-mates to believe in themselves and have no regrets as they prepare for the second chapter of their European adventure.

Kilmarnock face Tromso at home on Thursday in the first leg of their Conference League third qualifying round tie after a 2-1 aggregate defeat by Cercle Brugge saw them drop down from the Europa League.

The Ayrshire side finished the stronger in both legs against the Belgians and Vassell wants to ensure they kick into gear from the off against the Norwegian outfit.

When asked what the side have learned, the captain said: “Do you know what? The lessons are just believe in ourselves.

“Because when we got after them, when we were on the front foot, we look good. We’re getting in their box, we’re creating chances, looking the favourite team to score.

“It happened in both legs as the game went on, our fitness comes through, our discipline comes through, our togetherness comes through.

“It’s so frustrating we couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net on Thursday, but with the next tie we know that we are at least going to be in the game and then when we are, just try and capitalise."

The Northern Ireland international has also tasked his team-mates to leave no stone unturned over the upcoming two legs.

“We’re not here just to take part and make up the numbers in Europe," Vassell added.

"We’re very disappointed with the Brugge tie, I felt like there’s a little bit left on the table, we could have definitely got something there.

“But now we have to just get over it and go on to this one. It will be another tough, tough two games. They are obviously a good team but so are we.

“You never know when you might play in Europe again. So I don’t want to let this go.”

We asked you for your views following Kilmarnock's opening day defeat to Celtic.

Here's what you had to say:

Marwan: I’m not surprised, but should not make a big fuss about the result. The focus should be on Europe for now. The only player that impressed me was McCrorie.

Jim: As said previously, European games and good cup runs are bonuses. Our main priority is survival in the league. We put a weakened team out against Celtic. So what happens next week do we put a weakened team out for our first home game so as we have a stronger team for the European second leg?

Before we know it we will be out of touch at the bottom.

James: As expected really. Going to Celtic with a makeshift defence including a 19-year-old making his senior debut was always going to be tough. The main thing is getting players ready for the upcoming European games and league games.

Goldie: Our team hasn’t changed significantly from last season, sure we’ve got a few injuries but we’re basically the same team. What has changed on the evidence of these early season games is our style of play!

We’ve somehow gone from high press and good wing play to punt and hope. Celtic looked miles ahead of us in capability and fitness.

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Kilmarnock will face FC Copenhagen or Banik Ostrava in the Conference League play-off should they beat Tromso.

Copenhagen were third in the Danish Superliga last season, while Czechs Banik Ostrava were fourth in their division.

Derek McInnes' side play the home leg of their third qualifying round tie on Thursday, with the return legs the following Thursday in Norway.

Killie lost 2-1 to Belgium's Cercle Bruges on aggregate to drop into the Conference League.

The play-off tie would be played over the final two Thursdays in August.

Watch the best of the opening day action from Celtic Park as the champions rack up a convincing win over Kilmarnock. (Available to UK users only)

Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes refuses to complain about juggling European and domestic fixtures following Sunday's opening Scottish Premiership loss to Celtic. (Herald - subscription), external

Read Monday's Scottish gossip

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Tromso suffered a 1-0 defeat by Rosenborg in the Norwegian Eliteserien ahead of Thursday's Europa Conference League third qualifying round first leg away to Kilmarnock.

Substitute forward Noah Holm's 64th-minute goal for eighth-placed Rosenborg was enough to send the visitors to a loss that drops them to 13th in the table.

The side who finished third last season are now only two points clear of Sandefjord at the bottom having played more games than the three sides below.

Joint head coaches Jorgen Vik and Gard Holme made only one change from the side that beat Finnish league leaders KuPS 1-0 - 2-0 on aggregate - in their previous Conference League qualifier.

Senegalese defender Mamadou Barry replaced 19-year-old midfielder Runar Norheim, who dropped to the bench.

Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes says he had to "prioritise" Thursday's Europa Conference League qualifier against Tromso when naming a team for the Premiership opener at Celtic, which ended in a 4-0 defeat.

Celtic opened their Scottish Premiership title defence in imposing fashion by swatting aside Kilmarnock.

After a game that felt like it was two months into the new season, not two days, Celtic started the campaign as they ended the previous one - at the top of the table.

Having unfurled the title flag amid fireworks and a party atmosphere, Brendan Rodgers' side rose to the occasion with first-half goals from Reo Hatate and Liam Scales before Nicolas Kuhn added a deflected third and Anthony Ralston netted for the first time in two and a half years.

Kilmarnock put up a solid fight but their makeshift defence could not do much against a fully-firing Celtic side.

Killie fans, what did you make of your side's performance? How are you feeling about the upcoming European ties? Would you like to see some new faces through the door?

Have your say here, external.

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Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes: "I thought the 4-0 scoreline was a bit harsh on us. I think it was a good time for Celtic to play us and a bad time for us to play Celtic.

"Hopefully next time we play Celtic we're a bit more prepared and have a few more players available for selection.

"It's new for us as a club to try and navigate [the busy schedule]. I hate prioritising games but sometimes you've got to pick and choose and think ahead a wee bit.

"We put together a team today with a makeshift back four, of all the places to play with a makeshift backline, Celtic Park isn't one of them but I thought we handled it admirably.

"The positives are we got some minutes into players that haven't been playing and we got through the game without more issues."

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

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Having just signed their left-back 24 hours earlier, and with one eye on their upcoming European game, it was no surprise Kilmarnock struggled against the pace and freshness of Rodgers' Celtic.

They showed glimpses of attacking threat, with Vassell and Matty Kennedy looking sharp in spells at the top end of the pitch. Fraser Murray was unlucky not to find himself on the scoresheet in the second half as well.

McCrorie showed glimpses of what he can do as Celtic rained in 13 shots on target and the overworked goalkeeper tried to keep the hosts at bay.

Once he gets used to that number one shirt, Kilmarnock will have a player on their hands.

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Derek McInnes has made four changes from the midweek defeat to Cercle Brugge.

Having just sealed his loan move yesterday, Oliver Bainbridge goes straight into the starting XI in place of the suspended Robbie Deas.

Injured Joe Wright is replaced by David Watson. Rory McKenzie drops to the bench while Marley Watkins is out of the squad altogether. Liam Polworth and Fraser Murray are their replacements.

Celtic: Schmeichel, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor, McGregor, O'Riley, Hatate, Forrest, Kuhn, Kyogo

Substitutes: Sinisalo, Palma, Yang, Holm, Tomoki, Bernardo, Ralston, Welsh, M. Johnston

Kilmarnock: McCrorie, Watson, Mayo, Findlay, Bainbridge, Kennedy, Lyons, Polworth, Donnelly, Murray, Vassell.

Substitutes: O'Hara, McKenzie, Armstong, Mackay-Steven, Cameron, Anderson, Wales, E. Brown, Brannan.

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Celtic expect to be without Daizen Maeda for Sunday's league opener against Killie after he picked up a knock in their pre-season friendly against Chelsea.

Derek McInnes is suffering a defensive shortage as he looks to pick his team for Sunday.

Robbie Deas is suspended for the Premiership opener and Joe Wright is a doubt after going off injured against Cercle Brugge on Thursday.

Killie signed Corrie Ndaba from Ipswich earlier in the week after a successful loan spell last season but the full-back has a minor injury and is not expected to make it tomorrow.

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Kilmarnock have announced the loan signing of Sunderland defender Oliver Bainbridge until the end of the season.

The Englishman was a key member of Sunderland's Under-21s squad - managed by former Rangers boss Graeme Murty - throughout their Premier League 2 campaign last season.

The 19-year-old signed a contract until 2025 with the English Championship club last summer but is yet to make a senior appearance for the Black Cats.

Bainbridge is primarily a left-sided defender and will be available for selection for Sunday's away fixture versus Celtic.

Kilmarnock only had five recognised defenders in their senior squad before Bainbridge's arrival, with defender Joe Wright replaced at half-time in the loss to Cercle Bruges through the week.

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• Celtic have only lost on one of the 11 previous occasions that they have faced Kilmarnock on MD1 of a league season (W8 D2), a 2-3 defeat to start the 1961-62 campaign.

• Kilmarnock have only won one of their last 83 away games against Celtic in all competitions (D18 L64), a 2-0 victory in October 2012 under Kenny Shiels.

• Celtic have won their league opener in 15 of the last 16 seasons, losing the other 1-2 away to Hearts in 2021-22. When at home on MD1, the Hoops are unbeaten in 34 such games (W30 D4) since a 3-4 defeat to Morton in 1950-51.

• When starting a top-flight season away from home on MD1, Kilmarnock are winless in seven such games (D3 L4) since a 1-0 victory over Hibernian in 2004-05.

• Reigning Scottish champions have won on MD1 in each of the last 12 seasons, with the last to fail to do so being Rangers in 2011-12 (1-1 draw v Hearts).

We asked you Kilmarnock fans for your thoughts after Thursday night's disappointing defeat to Cercle Bruges.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Andrew: I thought Killie were poor against a fairly unimpressive Cercle Bruges. Definitely an opportunity missed as Killie looked good enough across both legs to progress. A lapse in concentration at the back has cost us.

Adam: A lacklustre and disappointing performance. Poor doesn’t cut it.

Anon: A disappointing performance from the boys, we were lucky not to concede a second. But we still have the Conference League and we’re playing an easier opponent this time.

David: Very disappointing, we just didn’t get going. Three hours of football and only a deflected header on target. That’s worrying.

Also a clear lack of pace up front albeit against a technically better team. Their defence was there for the taking but we didn’t penetrate down the wings.

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Kilmarnock's trip to Bruges 'will live long in the memory' despite the 1-0 defeat to Cercle Bruges knocking them out of Europa League qualifying.

Calum Scott, of the Forever and Ever podcast, told the Scottish Football Podcast he was very proud of the players, regardless of the result.

"It's a tough one but it's a day that will live long in the memory for the Kilmarnock’s support and you can see that with the reaction at the end, with the players and Derek McInnes the manager and the rest of the coaching staff coming over, really showing their appreciation to the travelling support who were unbelievable," Scott said.

"Throughout both ties, the Kilmarnock fans have been outstanding. Their reaction to going down a goal and just getting behind the team and everything has just been a great experience."

After a determined 1-1 draw in Ayrshire, Killie fans had gone to Belgium full of hope and were ultimately undone by a defensive mistake that allowed Cercle's Thibo Somers to score the only goal in the 1-0 win.

"We're just gutted because I feel in the first leg we should have come away with a win, and then we probably did enough to get a draw and unfortunately lost the game," Scott added.

"When you look at it that way, it's fine margins. But I'm very proud of the players, the management and the supporters because the supporters were an absolute credit to the club.

"Hopefully it's not long before we're back at this stage."

• Listen to the Scottish Football Podcast on BBC Sounds or by clicking here.

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Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes told BBC Scotland: "It was exactly what we thought it would be - tough, hard-fought. I don't think Big McCrorie hasn't had much to do apart from the penalty save.

"Just so annoyed we lost the goal we lost. One thing you can guarantee is that the ball will come into the box. They're not shy asking questions of you. We just needed to remain calm, a simple shout can deal with it.

"Their captain Somers is always in a goal scoring position, he always scores a lot of goals for them. It's all avoidable and that's why we're really annoyed.

"Were we ever going to dominate the game? Ever going to dominate possession? It was always going to be a big ask. We set up in a way to try and spring Marley [Watkins] and Vass [Vassell] as a front two.

"They played better in the second half. Marley looked off it first half, we contemplated taking him off at half-time but he responded to what I said to him.

"We were just hoping for that bit of individual work from your wide players that they do so often for us. The ball just fell to two or three of the wrong players. In terms of efforts and guts, and sticking at it on a really hot, humid night, it was a performance that the supporters would want from their team.

"We were just lacking a wee bit of quality and at this level, there's no shame in saying we're not quite there yet. But it was a tight game, similar to Rugby Park."

"The only surprise is the type of goal we lost. We're normally very good at defending the middle of our goal but it's cost us tonight. It's no fault of the players' effort."