Kilmarnock

The Sportscene team discuss Gary Mackay-Steven's ability and career with the winger's Kilmarnock future up in the air.

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Kilmarnock captain Kyle Vassell says he "can't wait" for a European adventure after his side finished the season in fourth place.

A large travelling support serenaded the Rugby Park outfit in Dundee on Saturday, with the club's next competitive game set for the Europa League second qualifying round in July.

Striker Vassell, who scored the goal that sealed fourth spot at St Mirren, believes his team-mates have earned their trip after a fantastic campaign.

"What a season, we deserve it," he told club media.

"Sometimes, things don't go your way, but over the whole season, everybody played their part and the fans definitely deserve it.

"There's been ups and downs. Me personally, my form was in and out.

"But the fans stuck with us the whole time and we're so delighted we could do this.

"We've got something to look forward to next year. We're on our way to Europe. Can't wait for it. Somebody get the passports ready."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland at Dens Park

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Gary Mackay-Steven says he is having "positive talks" with the club regarding extending his stay at Kilmarnock beyond the end of the season.

Mackay-Steven netted his first league goal since November 2021 in Kilmarnock's 1-1 draw against Dundee.

After recovering from a lengthy injury lay-off, Mackay-Steven is "enjoying" his time at the club under Derek McInnes and insists he "can't thank him enough" for given his career a lifeline.

"Last year I was injured for a long period of time. The manager here gave me an opportunity to just come in, train and get fit back in December," Mackay-Steven told BBC Scotland.

"I just kind of kicked on and I have really been enjoying it. The team has been flying. I was happy to get the nod today and it is a great feeling.

"I am very thankful to get over it and get my rehab done, because it was a challenging time. But coming back, I just slowly built up my levels and now I am completely over that - which is great - and looking to the future. Today is a nice day all round.

"We are speaking. The manager is great with me and we are having positive talks, so I am sure something will get sorted. But for now, I'll just enjoy it and enjoy being back injury free and fit, and I will celebrate tonight with the boys because they have done amazing, and we will see what the future holds."

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• Kilmarnock have lost 21 points from winning positions in the Scottish Premiership this season, only Dundee (25) have lost more.

• Dundee have failed to win in their last eight games in the Scottish Premiership, their last longer winless streak was from 20 February 2022 to 7 May 2022, a run of 11 games.

• Luke McCowan has scored 10 goals this season (one in this game), more than any other Dundee player in the Scottish Premiership.

• Robbie Deas received his first red card in the Scottish Premiership (30th appearance).

• Dundee have scored 10 goals in the last 15 minutes of the first half, only Rangers (18) and Celtic (15) have scored more in the Scottish Premiership this season.

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Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes told BBC Scotland: "Considering there was nothing on the line for both teams, it was played in a good, competitive manner. We had the luxury of playing some boys who've not played a lot of football of late. We were aware they wouldn't last the 90.

"It was different for me that although the result was important, the priority was getting some game time for some of the lads.

"We score a goal through one of those players - Gary Mackay-Steven. His performance was good and he should be pleased. I thought their goal was offside. Having seen our angle of it, I think I'm right. I'm disappointed with that, because I'm shocked that wasn't overturned.

"We made a wee tweak with the shape at half-time, and we were much better second-half. Up until the sending off, we were the better team. I'd have taken a draw coming here today because Dundee are a top-six side.

"We've now gone a full six months having only lost to Rangers and Celtic in the league, and we wanted to hang on to that today. That's a remarkable record for a club like Kilmarnock and it was important to us."

For the fourth time this league season, Dundee and Kilmarnock couldn’t be separated as they both finished successful seasons with a draw at Dens Park.

After a slow start, Kilmarnock took the lead through Gary Mackay-Steven - who was making his first start on possibly his final appearance for the club.

Dundee hit back when Scott Tiffoney sprung the offside trap and played Luke McCowan in, with the deputising captain firing in. The effort was initially disallowed but VAR intervened to award the goal.

Kilmarnock hit the bar twice in the second-half and had Robbie Deas sent off for a second yellow, while McCowan missed a penalty to seal victory for Dundee in the 88th minute.

What did you think of that, Kilmarnock fans? Should you have won that? Or were you happy with the draw?

Let us know your thoughts.

Andrew Petrie
BBC Sport Scotland

If you told Derek McInnes where his teams would finish at the start of the season, he'd have absolutely snapped your hand off.

Although Kilmarnock gave away another leading position - 21 points lost from winning positions, only Dundee have lost more - and could be disappointed not to win having dominated large swathes of the game, they ultimately won't care care.

McInnes had a beach ball tucked defiantly under his arm after full-time, and he'll look forward to the chance to top up his tan on their European sojourn next year.

Keep hold of Kyle Vassell, Danny Armstrong, and Marley Watkins over the summer, and they'll have done extremely well. David Watson? That would be even better.

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Fraser Murray. The former Hibs winger was absolutely fantastic on a day where Kilmarnock left their usual creative sparks on the bench.

In the absence of Danny Armstrong and Matty Kennedy, Murray stepped up well, setting up the goal as well and smacking the crossbar.

Marley Watkins was his usual tenacious self, and will be a big loss if he is to depart Ayrshire this summer. A good shout for signing of the season.

Dundee XI: McCracken, Mulligan, McGhee, Portales, Donnelly, Dodgson, Sylla, McCowan, Cameron, Tiffoney, Bakayoko.

Substitutes: Sharp, Astley, Main, Robinson, Robertson, Howley, Boateng, Mellon, Costelloe.

Kilmarnock XI: O'Hara, Wright, Deas, Findlay, Ndaba, Mackay-Steven, Donnelly, Polworth, McKenzie, Murray, Watkins.

Substitutes: Dennis, Vassell, Kennedy, Armstrong, Watson, Balagizi, Cameron, Stewart, Van Veen.

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• Dundee are winless in nine Scottish Premiership meetings with Kilmarnock (D6 L3), although the last four have all been 2-2 draws.

• All three league meetings between Dundee and Kilmarnock this season have been drawn; the last fixture to be drawn four times in a Scottish top-flight campaign was Dunfermline Athletic v Inverness Caledonian Thistle in 2011-12 (Motherwell v St Johnstone could also be drawn four times this season).

• Dundee have lost their final match in their last seven top-flight seasons since a 1-1 draw with Livingston to finish 2004-05. Their last final-day win in the top tier was in 2003-04 (2-1 v Aberdeen).

• Excluding the curtailed 2019-20 season, Kilmarnock have won their final match in their last four Scottish Premiership seasons, last failing to do so in 2016-17 (2-1 loss to Ross County).

• Dundee have lost all four of their Scottish Premiership games since the split. The last top-six side to lose all five of their matches in a top-flight season after the split were St Johnstone in 2011-12.

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Derek McInnes insists Kilmarnock will still show their competitive spirit despite having nothing to play for in Saturday's curtain closer at Dundee.

The Rugby Park side have already secured fourth place and European football, while Tony Docherty's men are guaranteed to finish sixth.

But with the teams having drawn all three league meetings this term, McInnes is eyeing a strong end to the campaign.

“Our job has been done, we have finished exactly where we hoped for, exceeded expectations," he said.

“The reward of European football is magnificent. The fans have been so appreciative of the players, as I am.

“But tomorrow, once the ball rolls, that competitiveness that is in you, you still want to win the game.

“So we are not going up there with our shorts and sandals on. We are there to try to win the game of football.

McInnes says Killie will enter discussions with Premier League-bound Ipswich Town about the future of Corrie Ndaba, who is currently on loan from the Portman Road side.

“There is no plan at the minute," he said. "We were just focusing on this season, getting over the line, getting into Europe and there is obviously conversations to be had in the summer.

“Nothing has been spoken about. There will be conversations with Ipswich and Kilmarnock in the summer and we will see what happens.

"I am just focusing on Saturday and we will see where we go from there.”

Can Kilmarnock end the season on a high as they make a third trip of the campaign to Dundee?

Derek McInnes' men will look to bounce back from an uncharacteristic showing on Wednesday as Celtic ran out 5-0 winners at Rugby Park.

Who would you like to see in the starting line-up? Pick your team here.

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Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes says he is "delighted" to be named the Scottish Premiership manager of the year.

The 52-year-old has taken the Rugby Park side from relegation uncertainty to European football in one season, with a fourth-place finish guaranteeing a spot in the Europa League second qualifying round.

McInnes missed out on the PFA Scotland manager of the year award earlier this month, given to Falkirk's John McGlynn.

But the manager says the prize is testament to the collective effort that has gone in to a successful campaign in Ayrshire.

“I am delighted to accept this award, like any individual award there is a whole support team that’s played their part in it," McInnes told club media, external.

“Having brilliant staff, I am recognising the effort from all of them, and the efforts of the players, the club is working as one and everyone is contributing.

“When positive results play out on the pitch and individual awards get given, it’s indicative of the club doing a lot of things right on the pitch.”

We asked for your views after Killie's 5-0 defeat to Celtic at Rugby Park.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Robert: Kilmarnock have had a brilliant season when you think where we were three seasons ago. Fourth and Europe is brilliant, Celtic were up for it, and Killie looked like they were heading to the beach. However, we had a refereeing performance that highlighted why no Scottish referees are at the Euros, and Willie Collum isn't the answer. Complete overhaul needed.

Jim: Celtic didn't need much help but the decision by the referee early in the game set the whole pattern for the night. They didn't stop for the head injury to our player but did so for Celtic later on in the game. Dereck McInnes should be proud of his players but on the night Celtic were miles better than us.

Robert: It would be churlish to say anything other that Celtic were excellent, at times unplayable. They played with a speed and movement that we couldn't match. They certainly didn't need a helping hand with the first goal which they got.

Adam: Only one team turned up I’m afraid and it wasn’t Killie. We sat back and gave them far too much time and possession, no shutting them down or even pressing them in their own half.

• St Johnstone have failed to win in their last five games in the Scottish Premiership, their last joint longest winless streak was from 20 December 2023 to 27 January 2024.

• Graham Carey has assisted eight goals this season (one in this game), more than any other St Johnstone player in the Scottish Premiership.

• Ross County have scored in their last 3 games in the Scottish Premiership, their joint longest scoring streak this season.

Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes revealed referee Don Robertson apologised for letting Celtic's opener stand in the Rugby Park side's 5-0 loss on Wednesday that clinched the title for the visitors. (Record), external

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip

Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes believes fans staying behind to applaud his team despite being battered by Celtic is testament to their successful season.

Kilmarnock were dismantled by Celtic as they emphatically sealed a 12th Scottish Premiership title in 13 seasons at Rugby Park.

First-half goals from Adam Idah, Daizen Maeda and James Forrest sent Celtic into the break three up before Matt O'Riley added a double after the interval.

Derek McInnes' side, already guaranteed fourth spot, were denied a Danny Armstrong consolation at four down, with Marley Watkins judged to be offside by the VAR in the build-up.

This result will not define a stellar season for Kilmarnock, who have caused problems for both Old Firm clubs this term, but they were simply blown away by a Celtic side determined to win a 54th top-flight crown in style.

Were you at Rugby Park or following the match elsewhere? Either way, we want your views on the game - have your say here.

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

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"For those who I need to convince, I will see you here in May" was the message from Brendan Rodgers to a polarised Celtic support on the day of his unveiling last June.

A year later, those who needed convincing have been won over and the decision from the board to bring him back for a second spell has been vindicated.

Even by Rodgers’ own admission, it has been far from vintage from a Celtic side who have made life difficult for themselves at times, but they have clicked into gear at a crucial period while their city rivals have faltered.

For Kilmarnock, it is a night to forget but a season to remember.

The dread of some in the away end travelling to Ayrshire on Wednesday pays testament to the work of Derek McInnes and his players, who have Europe to look forward to next term after proving they are comfortably Scotland’s fourth-best side.