Kilmarnock

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Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes says a conversation with Scottish FA referees chief Crawford Allen has left him "even more disappointed" with the decision to send off Corrie Ndaba in the 2-2 draw against Hibs last time out.

Ndaba was initially booked for his challenge on Jair Tavares, but the yellow was upgraded to red after referee Grant Irvine was advised by VAR Nick Walsh to consult the pitch-side monitor.

“I was disappointed at the time (of the sending off) and that is still the case,” said McInnes.

“I had a conversation with the refereeing department on Monday and I was even more disappointed after that conversation because of the take on it. They felt the decision was right, rather than a mistake.

“We totally disagreed on the reasons. Without going into it too much, it was more the exiting of the tackle but at least we had the conversation.

“My feeling is that we have to remind ourselves and re-set what VAR was brought in for.

“The referee is three yards away, he is in the heat of the battle and he’s seen it for what it was, a yellow card. I didn’t think it was a yellow card.

“If Corrie gets yellow carded and the game gets played out, there is no one from the Hibs end, or the media, commenting that it was a ridiculous decision, 'why didn’t VAR get involved', 'why wasn’t it a red card?' I think they have made it a thing by getting involved.

“Let the referee referee the game. He’s seen it for what it was. Give the referees more autonomy and more responsibility.

“I think it was wrong for VAR to get involved. We haven’t appealed it. I didn’t think there was any real point.”

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Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes has been talking to the media before his side's Scottish Premiership trip to Motherwell on Saturday.

Here are the key points from his press conference:

• McInnes says Killie are still trying to sign one more player, but insists no-one will be leaving Rugby Park.

• Has spoken to Scottish FA referee chief Crawford Allen about Corrie Ndaba's red card in the 2-2 draw against Hibs, but was left "even more disappointed" by the conversation.

• McInnes says there is no point in appealing against the decision, and wants there to be a review of how VAR is used: "We have to remind ourselves and re-set what VAR was brought in for."

• The former Aberdeen manager backed his "pal" Barry Robson to "bounce back" from his Pittodrie sacking, and says he was disappointed to hear the news.

• Defender Robbie Deas will be out "for the next few weeks" after an operation on a facial injury he sustained against Hibs. Will Dennis is in contention to return to the squad.

Sandy Armour, Killie Hippo fanzine

There are some fixtures in the Premiership that have no great appeal as you know the opposition is simply going to spoil rather than go head-to-head.

That is never the case when we face Hibs who play on the front foot although that does leave them vulnerable at the other end of the pitch.

With that in mind, it was no surprise to see the teams share a four-goal thriller, even if VAR once again tried to ruin proceedings. I could harp on every week about how much I hate it, however if Ndaba's tackle merited a red card we'd be as well making football a complete non-contact sport.

Generally when you give up a two-goal lead, it's a clear case of two points dropped but a point apiece was fair over the 90 minutes. We can complain about the ridiculous red card, whilst Hibs missed a sitter to win it in the last minute.

We travel to Motherwell this week, the Steelmen may be struggling just now but Fir Park is a notoriously difficult venue for Killie. It would be good to see Greg Stewart and James Balagizi get some game time and maybe they might just inspire us to a rare win in Lanarkshire.

Jonathan Sutherland, Sportscene presenter

It's that man again.

Although Saturday's meeting with Hibs ended in a disappointing draw after being two goals up, Killie fans can take some solace in another sparkling display from Danny Armstrong.

Both home goals came from exquisite deliveries from the winger, who still leads the way as the Premiership's chief chance creator.

Image source, BBC Sport

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Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes told BBC Scotland: "After the first 20 minutes, we were very strong. We finished the first half in a good place. We scored a few good goals, could have had another.

"Joe Newell's goal has come out of nothing. It's an unbelievable goal. I could see it develop, and it's an unbelievable finish. It gave them hope and inspiration that they might get something.

"The game changes on the red card. I'm disappointed with the decision. I can only assume the referee and VAR have seen a worse angle than what I've seen.

"Corrie's won the ball, he's not high, his foot is low. I was frustrated when the referee gave a yellow card. I don't think there's anything else he can do with his foot after he's won the ball.

"Nick Walsh is one of our best referees, so he must have seen a different angle. Grant Irvine is three yard from the incident. He has a chance to assess it.

"It's so disappointing that from a winning position, VAR has played it's part in us only getting a point.

"I'll commend my players. It got a bit chaotic. We changed the substitutions. We just had to make it out of there with a point and the players' effort made sure we got that."

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Did that feel like a point won or two dropped, Killie fans? Did you think that was a nailed-on win, or were you chewing your fingernails by the end?

Let us know your thoughts here.

Andrew Petrie, BBC Sport Scotland

For the majority of this game, Hibs dominated possession and territory. But Kilmarnock showed more willing, more fight, more grit - until it all went wrong.

The goals came from nothing, simple crosses that Hibs didn't defend well. Armstrong still had to send those crosses in, both absolute peaches.

The problem for Kilmarnock is thus - they have now lost 11 points from winning positions in the league - only Dundee have lost more. They should be far more comfortable in fourth.

Ndaba's red card will infuriate Derek McInnes, and his teammates. A borderline yellow, he got the ball first but then caught Jair on the ankle with his studs.

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Danny Armstrong. Given his ability to create something from nothing, he is always dangerous.

Hibs gave him two opportunities to work the ball onto his left foot, and he took full advantage, setting up both goals with brilliant whipped deliveries.

A word of praise to Matty Kennedy, too. Despite playing on opposite wings, the two widemen work together well and Kennedy is getting back to near his best.

Kilmarnock: O'Hara, Mayo, Wright, Findlay, Nbada, Armstrong, Watson, McKenzie, Kennedy, Watkins, Vassell.

Substitutes: Birighitti, Deas, Balagizi, Murray, Cameron, Donnelly, Davies, Polworth, Mackay-Steven.

Hibernian: Marshall, Megwa, Fish, Hanlon, Obita, Levitt, Newell, Youan, Marcondes, Jair, Vente.

Substitutes: Murray, Amos, Stevenson, Maolida, McKirdy, Doidge, Moriah-Welsh, Molotnikov, Whittaker.

Kilmarnock defender Jack Sanders has joined Ayr United on loan for the rest of the season.

The 24-year-old Englishman played twice for Killie earlier this term and has 45 club appearances overall.

Ayr, who appointed Scott Brown as manager this week, are seventh in the Scottish Championship and visit Queen's Park at Hampden on Saturday.

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Liverpool midfielder James Balagizi could make his Kilmarnock debut after joining on loan while Derek McInnes hopes goalkeeper Will Dennis is fit after missing last week's win over Dundee with a minor injury. Brad Lyons and Kyle Magennis remain out.

Hibernian expect to have defender Paul Hanlon back after he missed the midweek defeat by Rangers through illness. Martin Boyle, Rocky Bushiri, Lewis Miller and Jojo Wollacott are on international duty while Chris Cadden, Josh Campbell, Jake Doyle-Hayes and Adam Le Fondre are injured.

Did you know? There has not been an away winner in games between Kilmarnock and Hibernian since Hibs' 2020 victory at Rugby Park.

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Greg Stewart says his "good relationship" with manager Derek McInnes and previous "good spell" with Kilmarnock meant a return to Rugby Park was a "no brainer" as he looked for a new club after leaving Mumbai City.

While with Birmingham City, the 33-year-old forward played twice under McInnes on loan to Aberdeen and also under Steve Clarke with Kilmarnock.

"I had a good spell the last time I came here," Stewart said while suggesting he sees "similarities" in the blend of youth and experience between McInnes' team and the one under the current Scotland head coach. "I knew what the club was about.

"And obviously the gaffer as well - I've worked under him twice before. We've got a good relationship."

Stewart left Scottish football in 2021 to join Jamshedpur, then managed by fellow Scot Owen Coyle, before moving to Mumbai and helping them win the league title and reach the play-off semi-finals.

"After I left Rangers, I wanted to try something new," he explained. "I didn't expect to go to India obviously, but everything happens for a reason and I had a great experience over there.

"Difficult times with the family being here but successful on the pitch. Cricket is still the main sport there, but there's been a lot of improvement in the last couple of years and the standard of player is getting better."

Stewart is now "happy to be on home soil" for family reasons.

"I feel I have to prove myself all over again," he added. "I feel I am at a good age where I can still be successful in Scotland again."

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• Kilmarnock have won just one of their last 10 Scottish Premiership matches against Hibernian, (D2 L7), a 1-0 win in November 2022 thanks to a Danny Armstrong penalty.

• Hibernian have failed to win both of their last two league visits to Kilmarnock (D1 L1), and have only won two of their last eight such trips in the Scottish Premiership (D2 L4), with both wins coming in 2020 under Jack Ross (2-1 in February, 1-0 in October).

• Only Celtic (26) and Rangers (24) have picked up more Scottish Premiership points at home this season than Kilmarnock (21). Killie’s only two home league defeats this season have both been by a 1-0 scoreline (v Hearts & Ross County).

• Hibernian have lost two of their last three away league outings (W1), as many as their previous 10 beforehand (W2 D6 L2). Hibs could lose back-to-back away league games for the first time since April 2023.

• Kilmarnock have won eight league matches this season, already equalling their total before the Scottish Premiership split last campaign (8 wins from 33 matches).

Kilmarnock return to league action when they host Hibs at Rugby Park on Saturday.

Derek McInnes has some decisions to make for this one. Does Greg Stewart start? Is it too soon for Liverpool loanee James Balagizi?

Pick your Killie team here.

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Kilmarnock have announced the signing of Liverpool midfielder James Balagizi on loan until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old spent the first half of this season on loan at League One side Wigan Athletic, having previously spent time at Crawley Town in League Two.

“I’m really excited to get the deal done, I am happy with the project at the club and excited to get things going," Balagizi said.

“The manager did well at convincing me to come, hearing the plan that he’s got.

“The team is building something really exciting for the fans and for the club itself, so to come here and hopefully add to that is part of my plan.

“Fans can expect an exciting player, I work hard on and off the ball and always look to make things happen.

“Creativity is my main thing, I play box-to-box and aim to get fans off their seats.”

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Danny Armstrong insists he's fully committed to the Kilmarnock cause and is unmoved by speculation linking him with a move away from Rugby Park.

The 26-year-old has been one of the Premiership's top performers this year, which has led to murmurs that suitors could circle for the winger.

However, Armstrong says his focus is on playing football as the Ayrshire side look to consolidate their place in the top six.

"You can't get distracted by things like that," he said. "You let other people take care of rumours and links.

"I just need to keep my head down and concentrate of playing football. That's what I enjoy doing. It's nice, but for me, I'm fully happy at Kilmarnock.

"The gaffer has spoke to me just about football-related things. It's never a conversation [about a potential move] because I don't focus on that. The gaffer won't focus on that either.

"Any kind of outside noise is a nice compliment because it shows you're doing something right."

Image source, BBC Sport

Sandy Armour, Killie Hippo fanzine

I have to share a wee tale that I read on social media around the Killie cup victory over Dundee.

An exiled fan, who shall remain anonymous, travelled from South Carolina, USA to take in the big cup game. He was raring to see his first Killie game in a while but was running a little late as kick-off time approached. You know the rest...

He was five minutes late and missed the two early goals that took Killie into the last 16.

I've watched Killie for over half a century and cannot remember another game where we were two up before the game was three minutes old. It was an excellent victory after the winter break and, with Greg Stewart joining us last week, the feelgood factor continues among the fans.

The fifth round draw was very kind to us as well and we have a fantastic opportunity to reach the quarter finals again.

It's back to league business this week as Hibs are the visitors to the Theatre of Pies. We should fear nobody at the moment and I can see another win to strengthen our top six challenge.