Kilmarnock

Sportscene pundit Scott Allan outlines why there was "lots to like" about Kilmarnock's performance against Rangers despite the 10-man visitors losing 5-1.

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Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann says new signing Joe Hugill "proved he's going to be a threat" despite the heavy defeat at Ibrox.

Killie lost 5-1 but had to play with 10 men for all but the first three minutes after Dom Thompson was sent off, and Rangers scored twice in the closing stages to add some sheen to the scoreline.

Forward Hugill, 22, came off the bench for a second Killie appearance along with Aaron Tshibola, who made a debut in his fourth spell.

"Aaron's going to benefit from that because he looks a wee bit short [of fitness], to be honest," said McCann.

"But that's normal, because he's not been playing at the level we've been operating at in terms of training even, let alone games.

"Joe coming on looked sharp. He had a great chance where he runs down the side. He has shown everybody that he's going to be a threat for us, turning defences down the side.

"He didn't catch his shot right but I'm okay with that. I know that's a sore one and it might sound stupid but I think my boys did the club proud."

We asked for your thoughts after 10-man Kilmarnock were beaten 5-1 by Rangers in the Scottish Premiership.

Here are some of your comments:

Brian: Neil McCann summed it up perfectly. Some injustices but we still played very well and we were unlucky not to have a better scoreline. Things looking much better with him and Billy Dodds in charge. We will be fine.

Wolfgang: Bit of an unfortunate red card which seemed more of a mix-up than anything. Other than that we held up pretty well despite being down a man for 90-plus minutes. Give these lads a break over the weekend and I think we'll give St Mirren a good game as long as we don't have another red card.

Craig: Thought in the first half we played very well after Dominic Thompson cost us big time. We kept a strong defence and attack and put plenty of pressure on Rangers. By 60 minutes the effect of being a man down hit the team and we were punished. Fair play to the players, encouraged by what I saw early on and hopefully big result next Wednesday.

William: That we continue to score goals in any of our future games is imperative - if only to demonstrate that some in the team are capable of winning.

Alan: Welcome to reality Neil, beating a poor Aberdeen team is not enough to convince us you are our saviour.

Kenny: Incredibly harsh to send Thompson off in addition to the penalty. Anyway, we have bigger fish to fry and it starts next Wednesday night. As a point of note, Rangers had one Scottish player on the park out of the 16 who played, why would any young Scottish player want to go there?

Watch all the highlights from a 5-1 win for Rangers at Ibrox after Kilmarnock were reduced to 10 men in the opening minutes. (Available to UK users only)

Rangers narrowed Hearts' lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to three points as they eventually dismantled 10-man Kilmarnock at Ibrox.

Read the full match report here.

Let us know your thoughts here.

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Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann: "I feel a wee bit of an injustice when you look at the scoreline, I think it flatters Rangers.

"Towards the end, you could see they're good players and we're out on our feet because we've tried to get something from the game.

"I'm so disappointed, we lost a man so early in the match. I've got my thoughts on that. But you have to suck it up and continue to trust the players and the game plan - although it goes up in smoke a wee bit.

"The instructions didn't differ. We still wanted them to be brave, to get into the game, pass. I felt we were the better side in the first half and it's natural we gassed in the second half.

"I would argue that [Thompson] doesn't see [Gassama] coming and Gassama slows up to initiate the contact. That aside, that should be evened up in the second period.

"There is clear contact on our striker, [Tyreece] John-Jules. James Tavernier is caught on the opposite side. There's no reason for him to go down. I'm told it's not enough contact. I can't understand it. It's not a good enough explanation.

"We carved out some really good chances, had some brilliant play with 10 men and that's the positive we'll take from it. I've got zero criticism of my boys tonight. I thought they were brilliant.

"I could have shut up shop tonight and seen out a 1-0 or 2-0 but that's not who I want us to be. I want us to be aggressive and brave. Yes we conceded five but the boys are gone in terms of their energy reserves."

We asked for your thoughts on Kilmarnock's business in the January transfer window.

Here's what some of you said:

Brett: Having had such a leaky defence this season I'm disappointed that we didn't bring in more reinforcements for this area of the field, but good to see some attacking players join the squad.

Drew: Time will tell, all credit to the club for trying to get out of this mess. It's up to the players now to earn their contracts.

James: On the whole a very good window for Killie which addressed some of the problem areas. I would have liked an additional centre-back. Definitely grounds for optimism especially with some injured players returning. Maybe some will go out on loan to Championship teams.

Frank: An excellent transfer window. Lots of potential goals to be scored looking at the type of players brought in. They're there to win games and hopefully play attractive attacking football.

Robert: I think the board have shocked us all by backing the manager with new players, something most thought would be impossible without a major clear out. It has created a whole new positive atmosphere within the club.

Anna: I feel there are areas we could have improved but given the funds we have, I think we have done very well with the signings made by Neil McCann and co. It's still going to be a hard slog for the rest of the season but with the investment in the squad by the board I think we'll be okay. Hopefully the new signings create some healthy competition within the squad. I'm hopeful.

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• Rangers have won each of their last nine home league meetings with Kilmarnock by an aggregate score of 25-4; it's their longest ongoing home league winning streak versus any current Scottish Premiership opponent.

• Kilmarnock have lost 13 of their last 15 league matches against Rangers (W2), including their last four in a row all while conceding 3+ goals since a 1-0 victory in October 2024.

• Rangers have won each of their last five home league games, after having only won four of their previous 13 beforehand (D5 L4).

• Kilmarnock are winless in their last nine away games in the Scottish Premiership (D3 L6) since a 2-0 win at Dundee United in September.

• Kilmarnock boss Neil McCann has managed three away league games against Rangers in his career and lost them all by an aggregate score of 12-1, each coming with Dundee from September 2017 to September 2018.

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Deadline-day signing Ryan Naderi will go into the Rangers squad, paperwork permitting. Connor Barron (knee) and Derek Cornelius (muscle) are still out.

Aaron Tshibola could feature after rejoining Kilmarnock. Jamie Brandon and Max Stryjek are working their way back to fitness after lay-offs while Kyle Magennis (knee), Djenairo Daniels (knee) and Matty Kennedy (hip) remain out.

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Neil McCann believes the experience of Aaron Tshibola can be crucial in Kilmarnock's survival fight after the midfielder signed up for a fourth spell at Rugby Park.

Tshibola, 31, has played in Turkey, Cyrpus, Dubai and Greece since last turning out for Killie in 2021 and manager McCann wanted his know-how after signing several young players earlier in the window, including on-loan Rangers winger Findlay Curtis.

McCann said: "He brings an experience to the group. He knows the club, I think he's got an affinity with the fans.

"He knows the league, which is important, which type of football is here, what's expected.

"He just brings a bit of presence and good football. All of those things that I've mentioned there are so important to us right now because we've got a bit of a younger squad.

"You think about the additions we've made as well, young Nicky [Clescenco] is going to need a bit of leadership there.

"You've got Joe [Hugill] just coming up new into the league, you've got Fin, although he's got great experience already, he's still young.

"I felt that the experienced head was important to get into the middle of the pitch and big Tish brings that."

McCann wants his side to play with freedom against Rangers at Ibrox on Wednesday after beating Aberdeen 3-0 last Saturday for a first win in 18 matches.

McCann, who was on the Rangers coaching staff with assistant Billy Dodds for an interim spell last season, said: "We're going there with full respect of how good Rangers have been this season under Danny Rohl. We know how hard it's going to be going to Ibrox.

"I know that first hand myself, the experience that Billy and I got last year.

"Believe me, this group will have no shackles on them. We're going there to play. We're going there to win the game and that belief will be instilled in them."

Sandy Armour
Fan writer

Killie fans had been sooking lemons for three months until last weekend, so it was fantastic to see the smiles on all the faces when the final whistle blew.

There hadn't been much of a new manager bounce, but that all changed in the space of 90 minutes as we put in an impressive display against the dismal Dons.

It was clear a lot of work had been done on the training ground and both the result and performance gives us some hope for the remainder of the season.

It was clear the squad needed reinforcements and it looks like we have done some impressive business that has given everyone a boost.

The only disappointment is we didn't sign an experienced centre-back, although both James Brown and Robbie Deas were excellent on Saturday and we might be fine if they maintain those levels.

We travel to Ibrox on Wednesday night and that will be a stern test for our new-found confidence. Rangers have had a tough run of fixtures and I'm hoping we can take advantage of that.

Sandy Armour is editor of The Killie Hippo fanzine

With the transfer window now shut, we want to know if you think your team have made the right moves.

Kilmarnock signed Aaron Tshibola on deadline day, adding to the arrivals of Nicky Clescenco, Joe Hugill, Michael Schjonning-Larsen, Findlay Curtis and Kelle Roos, the latter two on loan.

Are you happy with Killie's January business? Are they now in good shape to beat the drop?

Tell us your thoughts here.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Jack Butland (Rangers)

Made several vital stops to keep Hibs at bay in Sunday's goalless draw at Easter Road.

Paul McGinn (Motherwell)

Continues to perform heroically at centre back for free-flowing Motherwell, who beat Livingston on Saturday. Sticking him in at his more accustomed right-back spot in my team.

Robbie Deas - (Kilmarnock)

Laid a solid foundation as Kilmarnock kept Aberdeen out to earn a much needed and well-deserved win.

Kieran Tierney (Celtic)

Becoming increasingly important as the weeks roll by for Celtic after getting through the first part of the season. 83 good minutes against Falkirk and an assist for the Scotland defender.

Harry Milne (Hearts)

Continually impressive this season for Hearts. Provided the assist for the opening goal at Tannadice as Derek McInnes' side won comfortably.

Brad Lyons (Kilmarnock)

Led by example and got a goal to kickstart a superb performance. The captain showed heart and soul for the cause.

Elijah Just (Motherwell)

The New Zealand winger has been one of the discoveries and players of the season. An assist for Motherwell's first goal against Livingston. Elegance, poise and football intelligence in an abundance. A joy to watch.

Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell)

Two goals to sink Livingston, 18 goals in all competitions and the top scorer in the Premiership. The Zimbabwe international has been a revelation this season.

Pierre Landry Kabore (Hearts)

Filling the Lawrence Shankland-shaped hole at the top end of the pitch and did the business away at Dundee United with a double.

Tyreece John-Jules (Kilmarnock)

All round excellent display. Held the ball up, got an assist and a goal.

Alexandros Kyziridis (Hearts)

A livewire presence for Hearts. Always looks a threat, and on the scoresheet from the penalty spot.

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Kilmarnock have announced the signing of midfielder Aaron Tshibola.

Tshibola, 31, has had three previous spells at Rugby Park - two separate loans from Aston Villa before penning a one-year deal for the 2020-21 season.

Having last been contacted Levadiakos in Greece, Tshibola returns to Ayrshire on a permanent deal.

Watch highlights as Kilmarnock defeat Aberdeen 3-0 for a first league win in 17 matches. (Available to UK users only)

We asked for your views after Kilmarnock ended their long winless run by beating Aberdeen 3-0 on Saturday.

Here's what some of you said:

James: What a difference. Amazing what three new players can do. Although not on from the start it made the existing players buck themselves up. Competition for places is an amazing thing. Well done, but why did it take so long?

John: Brilliant, performed from the off. Aggressive in the press, slick passing and some great goals. Onwards and upwards!

Brett: Wow, I was not expecting that! Now we need to keep up a consistent level of performance to avoid the drop. Good to get a clean sheet, but we still need a decent centre back.

Grant: Outstanding performance from every single player from start to finish. Hopefully the corner has been turned, now to put a spanner in the Rangers title challenge on Wednesday night!

Peter: That is without any doubt our best performance of the season and probably better than any from the second half of last season as well. A team performance with some really good front-foot football. Neil McCann and his team have had a short period of time to make a difference and let's hope this is a start of better things to come.

Adam: At last! Something to shout about, a great game to watch and Kilmarnock were by far the better team. Great to see some new faces, and old ones waking up - fantastic day.

An inspired Kilmarnock performance against Aberdeen delivered a first victory in 17 Scottish Premiership games and moved them six points clear of the bottom.

Could this be the turning point in Killie's season?

Have your say.

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Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann: "The fans have waited a long time for this. It was so important the boys got a win today because since I've come in with Billy [Dodds] and joined the club - their attitude has been first class.

"I could feel there was something coming, the turn coming. I just felt today was a right good opportunity. Playing at home today, could we get that elusive result, and I'm so happy for everyone concerned with the club we managed to do that. And do it in style as well.

"I couldn't pick a standout from the team. From the first minute to the last everybody who took to the pitch today had belief about them - which is what we've been missing.

"There was a real snap about us and aggression about our play, and some of the football we played was so good.

"I want us to catch fire. I want it to be a catalyst, a platform we can launch from. We've got a really tough game midweek at Rangers which we need to recover for.

"But the boys deserve to let loose tonight and just enjoy that victory because it has been such a long time."

McCann says the club are working on further additions but there are "no guarantees" and he is happy with the squad.

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Kilmarnock have signed Manchester United striker Joe Hugill on an 18-month deal, while also adding young Rangers winger Findlay Curtis on loan until the end of the season.

Hugill, 22, spent time with Newcastle and Sunderland as a youth before joining Manchester United in 2020, where he has never made a senior appearance.

He has spent time on loan at Altrincham, Burton Albion, Wigan Athletic, Carlisle United and most recently Barnet.

Curtis, 19, has scored three goals and chipped in with two assists in 21 appearances for Rangers this season.

Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann knows Curtis from his time on Barry Ferguson's coaching staff last season at Ibrox and will hope the new signings help Killie climb the Scottish Premiership table.

The Rugby Park outfit are 11th, three points above bottom club Livingston.

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Kilmarnock could include new winger Nicky Clescenco if international clearance comes through.

Jamie Brandon and Max Stryjek are back in training but neither will be risked, while Djenairo Daniels, Kyle Magennis and Matthew Kennedy will also be absent.

Aberdeen are waiting on Afeez Aremu's visa paperwork to be completed following his move from Kaiserslautern, so the Nigerian midfielder's debut may have to wait.

Defender Jack Milne is suspended after his red card in the win over Livingston, but Liam Morrison, signed on loan from QPR, has been in full training so should be involved.

Goalkeeper Nick Suman (ankle) remains sidelined along with defenders Gavin Molloy and Kristers Tobers (both knee).