Kilmarnock

We asked for your thoughts after Kilmarnock's 1-1 draw against Motherwell.

Here's a taste of what you had to say:

Stephen: Three consecutive games we have dropped points from winning positions against teams below us in the league. We are too passive, and defend too deep when we are in the lead. Hopefully the additions of Stewart and Van Veen will help us retain possession further up the park and turn these types of draws into the wins we need if we aim to be top four.

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On his goal:

I think I'll if I ever score a better one than that, I'll be doing well. I saw the ball sit up in the air, I shouted for it, I just wanted to get a good contact on it try and keep it low and hard and fortunately we've seen it hit the back of the net. It was just instinct.

On today’s game:

I think it was a tough game. I think both sides gave it their all, probably overall we don't feel that we did enough to go and win it, although it was one of those games that all it was going to take was a set piece or a break of the ball that might have done. We go back to the start of the season, we lost a game that was similar to that here, and so in that sense we've improved and then away from home if we can't go and win it, we made sure that we didn't lose it.

How much was that late winner for Motherwell last time out on your mind:

I think that comes from experience as well, because at the end of the season when we look back that could be a big point.

On squad and form:

Everyone wants to look forward, everyone wants to be ambitious. There's a real feel good factor about the club and I think that's reflected on the pitch and even coming from the fans as well, there's a bit of buzz about the place this season, so we will keep that going as long as we can.

On January signings, and hanging on to players:

You can see already what I've done this season. Some of the games we've had some of the boys have stepped up in the big moments, so a lot to look forward to at Kilmarnock. It's more healthy competition for places and it adds different dynamics and different relationships as well on the pitch, so hopefully we can use that and really kick on.

Kilmarnock's Derek McInnes tells BBC Sportsound: "The game was untidy and scrappy. The conditions, the wind, the pitch, didn't help but we made a terrific start.

"We were good after that, we had a decent element of assurance. Everything was kept away from our goal. We spoke long and hard about Motherwell's transitions and Theo Bair - he's such an important for them.

"I'm so disappointed in the equalising goal. It's a good goal from their perspective. We're set up for a long throw, Joe Wright is in the box, and the ball doesn't come in. We played our part in allowing Spittal the time to play the pass. We have to stick to the detail.

"Spittal and Bair had the most influence on the game. We didn't have any lads who showed that much influence. That said, a point on the road isn't a bad result."

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That wasn't pretty, but a point on the road isn't bad. What went wrong for Kilmarnock at Fir Park?

Where do you expect to see Kevin van Veen fit into this Kilmarnock team?

Let us know your thoughts here.

Andrew Petrie, BBC Sport Scotland

Van Veen clearly didn't read his script. He was supposed to come on and do something dramatic, not get booked for dissent.

Back to reality and the overall quality of play from both was disappointing, to say the least. Although there were two moments of brilliance, large swathes of this game left a lot to be desired.

Derek McInnes needs to get Van Veen up to speed quickly. Three shots, only one on target. Kyle Vassell needs a rest desperately and Danny Armstrong can't be expected to do everything.

Motherwell name an unchanged starting XI, despite a raft of signings in the final throes of the transfer window. They are all on the bench - Sam Nicholson, Jili Buyabu, Jack Vale and Adam Devine.

Kilmarnock's marquee signing - and a man Motherwell know well - is also on the bench. Kevin van Veen was at the centre of a Premiership tug-of-war, but plucked for Killie in the end.

There are three changes, though. Will Dennis recovers from injury to take the gloves back from Kieran O'Hara, while Tom Davies comes in for the suspended Corrie Ndaba. It's Davies' first start since September.

Liam Polworth replaces Rory McKenzie in midfield.

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Motherwell: Kelly, O'Donnell, Mugabi, Butcher, McGinn, Gent, Zdravkovski, Halliday, Paton, Spittal, Bair.

Substitutes: Oxborough, Buyabu, Casey, Vale, Nicholson, Blaney, Devine, Ferrie, Miller.

Kilmarnock: Dennis, Mayo, Wright, Findlay, Davies, Armstrong, Watson, Polworth, Kennedy, Watkins, Vassell.

Substitutes: O'Hara, McKenzie, Balagizi, Donnelly, Cameron, Stewart, Murray, Mackay-Steven, Van Veen.

Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes dismisses the notion his club beat St Mirren to striker Kevin van Veen's signature with an over the top financial offer. (Herald - subscription required), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip

BBC Scotland's Martin Dowden talks through Kilmarnock's deadline day deal for Kevin van Veen.

Listen to the full episode of the Scottish Football Podcast here.

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Kilmarnock defender Lewis Mayo has his eyes on a Scotland call-up, but says he must first continue to play at a high level for his club.

The 23-year-old signed on a permanent basis from Rangers last summer, and has been instrumental for Derek McInnes' side this season, who currently sit fourth in the Scottish Premiership.

When asked if playing for Scotland was a realistic short-term aim, Mayo said: “I would love it to be. It is not up to me to decide.

“It is just about taking it week by week and just try to get the best out of myself at Kilmarnock.

“For me personally, I just want to keep my place in the team, keep pushing myself, try to be as consistent as I can, try to continue to improve it and you always give yourself that chance.

“I obviously was lucky that when I was a young player, I got in the youth teams of Scotland. So the A squad is the natural next step. And that’s something for me just to keep plugging away at.

“I’d love to go and make that leap and get myself in a squad. But I do that by doing my best at club level and see what happens.”

Mayo, who also had previous loan spells at Partick Thistle and Dunfermline, noted it has only been five years since the Rugby Park club finished third, under Clarke, when quizzed about the possibility of a European spot.

He said: “I keep coming back to it but it wasn’t long ago Kilmarnock finished third and got European football. I think everyone here wants to taste that again.

“Looking at the table, we’re in a healthy position and we’ll get a lot to draw confidence from the start of the season.

“I think the first stage is to get to the top six before the split, that’s got to be a big goal for us.

“And then from there, we can reset again. Look at the last few games of the season and go let’s go again. Let’s see how high we can go.”

Killie fans, now that the January window is closed, how would you assess the club's transfer business?

Just how excited are you by the capture of Kevin van Veen?

Have your say here.

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It's finally official...

Kilmarnock have confirmed the loan signing of Kevin van Veen from Eredivisie side Groningen.

The former Motherwell striker - who scored 29 goals in all competitions last season - will join the Rugby Park side on loan until the end of the season.

Derek McInnes has been talking all window about adding a striker - he's now got van Veen and Greg Stewart to compete for places with Marley Watkins and Kyle Vassell as his side eyes European football next season.

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Jonathan Sutherland, BBC Sport Scotland

Kilmarnock are set to seal a loan deal to sign Kevin van Veen for the rest of the season.

After a duel with St Mirren for his signature, the Rugby Park club have won the race to sign the Dutch striker who scored 29 goals for Motherwell last season.

Following a disappointing spell in the Netherlands with Groningen this season, Van Veen has now opted to spend the second half of the season in Ayrshire.

Killie currently sit in fourth place and will be hoping that their new frontman can boost their prospects of playing European football next term.

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Jonathan Sutherland, BBC Sport Scotland

Kilmarnock are interested in a transfer deadline deal for Kevin van Veen.

The Dutch striker was a huge hit for Motherwell scoring 29 goals last term before returning to his homeland to join Groningen.

However, there is also reported interest in a return to Fir Park, as well as a potential switch to St Mirren.

Can Killie win the race and snap up the second top-scorer in last season's Premiership?

We asked what transfer business you would like to see from Kilmarnock on deadline day, and how you would rate the club's January business so far.

Here's a taste of what you had to say:

Anon: With Deas injured we might be a bit short in defence. I think the one position McInnes is still looking for is the elusive number nine. He was pretty adamant in the press conference no-one was leaving. We need to hold on to Danny Armstrong - that would be better than signing another player.

Neil: I’ll be happy as long as Danny Armstrong is still with us when the deadline passes. Killie have been clear all along though that it would take a lot to let him go. Our loan deals have been positive too, in both directions.

Grant: This January window has been excellent. Nobody leaving except for a couple of fringe players on loan, GMS signing on until the summer, Greg Stewart returning, and James Balagizi in on loan from Liverpool. If that’s the business done them I’m pretty satisfied. If another comes in to add to the squad then great, but it's already been a good solid window from McInnes.

Anon: I think we're pretty much there. The only thing I'd add would be another body at the back - probably on loan. The big hope will be keeping the players we do have - specifically Armstrong and David Watson.

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• Motherwell are unbeaten in four home league games against Kilmarnock (W3 D1), winning both of their last two.

• After their 1-0 win in November, Kilmarnock could win successive Scottish Premiership games against Motherwell for the first time since December 2018 (run of 4).

• Motherwell have won just one of their last 18 league games (D8 L9), a 3-1 victory over Livingston in December. The Steelmen had won three of their opening four league games of the season before this (D1).

• Kilmarnock have lost just one of their last eight league matches (W4 D3), although this one defeat came in their last away match (1-3 v Rangers).

• Kilmarnock’s Danny Armstrong has created more chances (68) and more big chances (17) than any other player in the Scottish Premiership this season. He also has a league-high 6.8 expected assists in the division this term, while only Luis Palma (9) has more assists than him overall (8).

Killie fans, what positions do you think need to be targeted before the January transfer window slams shut on Thursday, and how many incomings would you like to see?

Also, how would you rate the business done to this point?

Send us your thoughts here.

With Hibs entertaining St Mirren in the capital, Kilmarnock have the opportunity to widen the gap from their closest rivals in the race for Europe.

A win at Motherwell would be a big boost to their top-six prospects, but they are struggling on the left side of defence without the suspended Corrie Ndaba and the injured Robbie Deas.

How does Derek McInnes solve the puzzle? Pick your team here.