Kilmarnock

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Kevin van Veen could make his St Mirren debut but is not ready to start.

Alex Iacovitti will be out until around Christmas with a tendon injury while Richard Taylor is struggling with a hernia problem which in time will probably require surgery. Greg Kiltie (ankle) is training again while Conor McMenamin (knee) is making progress.

Kilmarnock goalkeeper Robby McCrorie is fit again. Brad Lyons serves the second of a two-game ban and Liam Donnelly remains out.

Kyle Magennis is working his way back from a hamstring injury.

Matthew Reed
BBC Sport Scotland

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Corrie Ndaba says it was a "no-brainer" to reject interest from elsewhere and sign a permanent deal to make Kilmarnock his "home".

After spending last season at Rugby Park in what was his seventh loan spell from Ipswich Town - helping Killie to a fourth-place finish - the 24-year-old full-back returned on a three-year contract in the summer window.

The former Republic of Ireland youth international said: "Speaking to the gaffer, I'd been here last season and we'd done really well, so it was a no-brainer for me to come back here.

"There was interest (from elsewhere) but I'm happy to be here.

"It's important for me to find a home, I've felt welcomed here and enjoyed last season and I want to continue and do well at this club."

Ndaba believes the increased workload due to Kilmarnock's European participation has had an impact on their poor early-season form, but is hoping their fortunes can change, starting against St Mirren on Saturday.

"It looks like the European games have affected us when you look at the league table," he added.

"It's the first time a lot of the boys have been playing two games in a week so maybe it has, but I don't like to think that way.

"Everyone goes into every game wanting to win, we just haven't got the result we wanted at the moment, but I'm sure that will change soon.

"I'd say the discipline has killed us. We've had three red cards already which is a bit alien. It's just the little details like that, once we clean that up we can get back to where we were."

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Kilmarnock midfielder David Watson has been ranked as one of the top 100 teenage footballers in the world by a leading sports research body.

The Switzerland-based International Centre for Sports Studies listed the 18-year-old as 87th in its top 100 teenagers, external list.

The Football Observatory ranking, which is calculated based on the level of experience accrued by the players - based on how much they've played, and weighted by the competition level.

And the ranking, which is topped by Barcelona pair Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, puts Watson in the same rankings as Manchester United and England midfielder Kobbie Maino and Manchester City's Rico Lewis.

Watson is not the only Premiership player on the list - Motherwell midfielder Lennon Miller achieved an even higher placing, ranking inside the top 30.

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• St Mirren are winless in their last eight Scottish Premiership games against Kilmarnock (D4 L4), losing their most recent three in row.

• Kilmarnock have won each of their last three away games against St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership, last beating an opponent on four consecutive top-flight trips between November 2018 and February 2020, four in a row versus Hearts.

• St Mirren have lost four of their last six home league games (W1 D1), as many as their previous 15 beforehand.

• Having only lost two of their final 13 away league games last season (W4 D7), Kilmarnock have since lost their two on the road this term.

• Bruce Anderson scored on his first league start for Kilmarnock against Hibs last time out - the last player to score in both of his first two starts for the club in the Scottish Premiership was Daniel Whitehall in January 2021.

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Celtic should have been awarded a penalty against Kilmarnock in the reigning champions' 4-0 Scottish Premiership opening weekend win in Glasgow, Scottish FA head of referees Willie Collum has concluded.

Three controversial incident involving Kilmarnock in the opening four weeks of the new season were highlighted among eight analysed in The VAR Review, a new monthly show on the Scottish FA's YouTube channel, with Collum concluding that he was "content with the start we've made".

The other incorrect decision also came on the opening weekend, when Dundee United ought to have had a spot-kick for hand ball in their 2-2 draw with Dundee.

Celtic 4-0 Kilmarnock - 4 August

Kyogo Furuhashi collided with Kilmarnock goalkeeper Robby McCrorie as the Celtic striker met a free-kick chipped over the defence.

Referee Don Robertson and VAR officials concluded during the game that "the goalkeeper just makes himself big".

However, Collum said: "We believe this was the wrong decision. We have coached the referees and the VARs that a penalty kick should have been awarded here.

"It is an unexpected free-kick with the way the ball is chipped. It catches the on-field referee by surprise and it's very difficult for the referee to find an angle round that wall to get a proper view.

"The Celtic player clearly gets ahead and touches the ball past the goalkeeper and we then think the goalkeeper's actions are reckless. An off-field review should have been requested and the referee asked to come to the monitor."

Kilmarnock 0-3 St Johnstone - 11 August

Kilmarnock thought they should have a penalty when Danny Armstrong went down under a challenge from Andre Raymond.

Referee Chris Graham booked the home winger for simulation, but VAR decided that his heel had been clipped, but it was outside the penalty box.

"This is a wrong decision on-field," Collum said. "It is a foul, it is a trip and, when the VAR sees it's outside the box, it's impossible for the VAR to become involved.

"It is a quirk. Had it been a yard further, VAR could have become involved and the decision overturned and a penalty given. It is impossible for us to fix it through VAR."

Aberdeen 2-0 Kilmarnock - 25 August

Brad Lyons was initially booked by referee MacDermid for a challenge on Ester Sokler at Pittodrie, but the visiting midfielder was sent off.

"We are happy that the VAR recommended an on-field review and that the card was overturned from yellow to red," Collum said.

"We don't think the player is in complete control. We think the point of contact was high - it is on the shin - and it therefore endangers the safety of the opponent."

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Paul Sheerin insists Kilmarnock are ready to ignite their season after using the international break to draw a line under their European efforts.

Derek McInnes' men played six qualifying games in Europe this season, falling at the Conference League play-off stage to Copenhagen, but their domestic form suffered and they prop up the Premiership with just one point from four games.

"It's been tough going, the results have reflected that unfortunately," said assistant boss Sheerin.

"So now the European adventure is out of the way we focus again on league duty and we knuckle down and hopefully start picking up points as soon as possible.

“At no stage will we use that [European football] as an excuse, it's just not quite gone our way in terms of performance levels and we're constantly looking to improve on that.

“But this international break has definitely given us a chance to get ourselves going again. Training properly is taken out of the equation when you're travelling and playing two games a week, you're not being exposed to as much training as you'd like.

“We've managed to get a good bit of training under our belt, a bit more structure to our working week, and hopefully that will help us going forward."

Dutch striker Kevin van Veen, who had an underwhelming loan spell with Killie in the second half of last season, could make his St Mirren debut when the Ayrshire side visit Paisley on Saturday.

"You need to be aware of him even without a point to prove," said Sheerin.

"He's got brilliant qualities, we recognised those qualities when we signed him and he showed those qualities when he came into the club.

"I think he made others around him better too. Kyle Vassell and Marley Watkins towards the tail-end of the season were excellent for us, which made it more difficult for Kevin to get in, but we're no doubt about the quality he brings."

Matthew Reed
BBC Sport Scotland at Rugby Park

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Assistant manager Paul Sheerin addressed the media today in advance of Kilmarnock's return to Scottish Premiership action against St Mirren on Saturday.

Here are the key points he made:

• He said the club looked to use the international break as a reset now that European adventure is out of the way.

• However, he added they won't use European qualifiers as an excuse for poor start but break gives them a chance to "get going again".

• Sheerin said the club will strive for another top-six finish and more European football next season.

• The assistant manager said the run of red cards in the team has been spoken about and he hopes it doesn't continue in the side.

• He confirmed Liam Donnelly is still carrying a knock and will miss the St Mirren game but could return against Dundee United.

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The rather grim headlines of one point, one goal scored, and 10 conceded so far says much about Kilmarnock's start in the Premiership as tough fixtures while juggling European football has taken its toll.

However, if Derek McInnes digs a little deeper - which he will have done - there are signs of encouragement.

Killie's expected goals rating of 4.88 means they are creating better chances than several other teams in the league, but have struggled to finish them.

Their appalling conversion rate of 2.5%, the joint worst in the league, speaks to the latter fact.

While that only adds to the gloom, the good news is if performances continue to yield chances that statistic is likely to improve.

Teams do not often have such a big gap between goals and expected goals over a longer period of time.

The same logic applies down the other end, where Kilmarnock's expected goals against rating sits at 6.88, despite having conceded 10 in total.

Playing Celtic and Aberdeen, two of the most efficient teams in front of goal this season, plus Joe Newell's unlikely strike for Hibs from out wide, will have exacerbated those numbers.

McInnes has spoken about how the intensity of their running has dropped during Sunday matches after European games, and this is also borne out in some of the metrics which examine pressing.

Without European football we could see Killie get back to full intensity, which could allow them to sharpen up in both boxes.

That would see them start to climb the league rather than be cast adrift. Now, they have to go and do it.

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Kilmarnock left-back Oliver Bainbridge says he's extremely grateful for the opportunity to play in Europe and thinks he will develop as a player and person while on loan at Rugby Park.

The 19-year-old joined Derek McInnes' side from Sunderland on a temporary basis in the summer and made the first senior appearance of his career away to Celtic, before featuring in the club's efforts to qualify for the Conference League.

"My first start, against Celtic, 60,000 in the ground, it wasn't the result we wanted but as a first professional start I couldn't ask for a better experience," Bainbridge told his parent club's media, external.

"My second start was away in the Arctic circle in Norway against Tromso. We won 1-0 and I played 70 minutes in my second game which was another great experience.

"I don't know whether I'll ever play in Europe again so that's something I can say I've done.

"As many games as possible would be great for me, but even things off the pitch, like moving away from my family - getting life experience as well."

BBC Sport Scotland chief sportswriter Tom English has been answering your questions.

Neil asked: Killie's time under Derek McInnes has been good - promoted, avoided relegation the following season, got into Europe the next year and had a good European run. It's hard to argue with results... but how would you rate him as a manager? I'm still not at all convinced by his signings, scouting, recruitment, tactics or substitutions.

Tom answered: You're a hard man to please, Neil. As you point out, McInnes has achieved a lot in his time at the club. I rate him very highly. He did an excellent job for many seasons with Aberdeen, but he stayed there probably a season too long.

He's doing another excellent job with Killie. I've been impressed with the squad he's put together and those boys managed to give the Old Firm a bloody nose last season. Killie performed above expectations.

McInnes is a shrewd guy and, in my view, the club is lucky to have him and he's lucky to have such a supportive owner. It's a good relationship.

Frank asked: Was the manager correct in pursuing Europe as a priority opposed to domestic football when there was a chance of winning a trophy at home?

Tom answered: I think he was, yes. I know he didn't start a few first-choice players against Motherwell in the League Cup, but the financial rewards of making it through the qualification rounds of Europe would have been transformational. McInnes had to give it a proper rattle.

In any event, the League Cup exit was more down to the red card for Stuart Findlay than anything else, I felt. A red in the 51st minute of a game that went to extra time - that's a long time to hold on.

Without the red, would they have made it through? Possibly. And prioritising Europe wouldn't have been mentioned, I'd wager.

BBC Sport Scotland chief sportswriter Tom English has been answering your questions.

Dugald asked: What's your league position prediction now that Europe is out of the way and there were minimal squad changes during the summer?

Tom answered: What a weird beginning to the season it's been for Killie, Dugald. Unquestionably, the European stuff has made life harder in domestic football, but there are layers to that as well. Going away to Celtic and (a much improved) Aberdeen is a tough beginning when you're also juggling Europe.

The red cards are a further nuance. The 3-0 against St Johnstone was a shocker, but losing Joe Wright so early wasn't great. Another red against Aberdeen and another against Motherwell in the League Cup. It's one uphill task after another.

One goal scored and 10 conceded in the league is awful, but Killie are in a horribly false position at the bottom. They won't be there for long. Top six has to be the target and I think you'll get there - fifth would be my guess right now, but I change my mind every day on this.

Wolfgang asked: Do you think the likes of Kilmarnock would have a better or worse chance of growing into a team that could compete with Rangers and Celtic if we had 16 clubs in the top flight?

Tom answered: I really don't think it would make any difference. It's a footballing impossibility for Kilmarnock to go the distance with Celtic. And though Rangers have their troubles, Killie just don't have the squad depth and financial muscle to live with them over the course of a season either. That's the very sad reality of Scottish football - and it’s an enormous problem in the landscape here.

A 16-team league would only give Celtic more of an advantage, I feel. They wouldn't slip up against the extra four clubs who would come in, but everybody else bar the Old Firm might do so, on a given day, when injuries and a wee downturn in form start biting.

Get your questions ready.

Tom English, BBC Sport Scotland's chief sportswriter, is in the hotseat and ready to offer his insight and opinion on your club.

Four games into the Premiership campaign, what would you like to ask?

Put your questions to our man here, external.

Sandy Armour
Fan writer

Kilmarnock ended our memorable European adventure with an honourable draw against Copenhagen, ensuring we were unbeaten in our three home ties.

Marley Watkins' early goal had us all dreaming for a wee while but the Danes proved just too strong after the break.

European qualification is a rare treat for Killie fans and all about making memories. The trip to Bruges with 3000 fellow fans is probably once-in-a-lifetime stuff and my heart bursts with pride whenever I think about it.

Sadly it's all history now and we need to concentrate on grabbing some league wins and climbing up the table.

Our draw against Hibs wasn't one for the footballing purists and Liam Polworth's sublime pass, that led to the equaliser from the spot, was our only moment of quality in the game.

The international break has come at a good time to let us regroup and prepare for a tough trip to Paisley.

Bruce Anderson did enough to put himself in the frame for another start and maybe Kyle Vassell would benefit from a rest.

Paisley would be the perfect place to claim our first three points although I just hope the St Mirren kebab pie matches up to the Bruges chocolate waffle.

Sandy Armour is editor of The Killie Hippo fanzine

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Uncapped Dundee goalkeeper Jon McCracken has been called up to the Scotland squad for the Nations League matches with Poland and Portugal.

The 24-year-old has previously been capped by his country at under-17 level and replaces Kilmarnock's Robby McCrorie, who has a hip injury. Zander Clark and Angus Gunn are the other keepers available to Steve Clarke.

McCracken has played seven times for his club this season, helping the Dark Blues remain unbeaten for the campaign so far.

Scotland host Poland on Thursday and visit Portugal on Sunday.

Killie fans, we asked for your views after Sunday's 1-1 draw with Hibs.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Thomas: On this showing Killie will struggle to make seventh place. We showed little creative penetration and our squad is not likely to change. Our limitations were exposed by a poor Hibs team. I hope for better but it is hard to see where points will come from in the coming games.

Robert: Again a lot more effort than quality but they did battle to the end and probably deserved the point. The lack of composure on the ball is still a concern. An excellent performance from Bruce Anderson.

David: Overall a draw was the right result. Poor misses from Kyle Vassell coupled with a lack of depth in midfield where we’ve been crying out for a playmaker/number 10 for several seasons (Liam Polworth isn’t the answer). A lack of ambition by the club to support the manager in attracting a playmaker will come back to haunt us.

Adam: Yet another bad day at the office! I am sorry to keep going on but Rugby Park isn’t going to be a fortress this year unless we change our system and quick. They did show a wee bit of composure today but not enough. Come on Killie a bit of battle or is it bottle?

Stephen: Awful! Scraped a draw at home to a poor Hibs team. I wonder why Derek McInnes bothers to select midfielders because we just bypass the middle of the park. We have Scotland’s young player of the year and he must have a sore neck watching the ball punted long every week. Our summer recruitment has been complacent. Rival teams strengthened, we stood still.

Anon: Most current issues stem from the weakness in midfield, which really hasn’t been addressed this summer. I feel for the defenders who are seeing more of the ball as a consequence, they are more uncomfortable going long with no options in front. Forwards are left looking for fouls or hoping something falls. Good time for a deserved rest and re-group.