Kilmarnock

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• Kilmarnock could win four Premiership games in a row for the first time since October 2018 under Steve Clarke.

• Livingston have only lost one of their past nine Scottish Premiership home games against Kilmarnock (W5 D3), a 3-1 defeat in October 2020.

• Kilmarnock are unbeaten in seven Premiership games against Livingston (W4 D3), after losing five in a row beforehand.

• Livingston have just 21 points this season; the last side to end a Scottish top-flight campaign with so few were Dundee in 2018-19 (also 21), while the last with fewer were Livingston themselves in 2005-06 (18).

• Kilmarnock lost their final league match of last season 1-0 to Hearts, but haven't done so in successive Premiership campaigns since losing three in a row from 2014-15 to 2016-17.

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

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When Neil McCann swapped punditry for the Kilmarnock hotseat in January there was a mixed reaction from supporters.

Some were concerned about his ability to 'walk the walk' after just one previous permanent gig - an 18-month stint at Dundee where he won 20 of 60 games in charge.

But in steering Kilmarnock to Premiership safety with a game to spare, McCann has proved his doubters wrong.

At the time of his Rugby Park appointment, Killie had not won in 14 games and were second bottom of the table. The Ayrshire side hovered just four points above Livingston with a game in hand and five below St Mirren in 10th having played two matches more.

Those gaps are now 16 and four points respectively, with Killie guaranteed to finish no lower than 10th.

Since McCann's appointment, Killie are fourth in the Premiership form table. Only Hearts, Celtic and Rangers have picked up more points in those 16 games than Killie's 24, which is two more than top-six sides Motherwell and Falkirk.

Only title chasers Hearts and Celtic have won more games than Killie in that time, while only Celtic and Rangers have scored more goals than McCann's side's 27.

The bedrock of McCann's success has been home form, with his team winning six and losing just one of eight Rugby Park outings.

In fact, after Tuesday night's 3-1 home victory over Dundee, McCann became the first Killie head coach, of those appointed in the 21st century, to win six of his first eight top-flight home games.

Of his 16 league games in charge, McCann has won seven, with a points-per-game rate of 1.50. Albeit over a small sample size, that's the joint-second best - alongside Mixu Paatelainen - of any Kilmarnock manager appointed this century, with only Steve Clarke boasting a better record (1.79).

In contract, Stuart Kettlewell, McCann's predecessor, was in charge for 17 Scottish Premiership games, won two and lost nine with a points-per-game of 0.71.

Since McCann replaced Kettlewell, Killie have scored 10 more goals in one fewer game (27 under McCann compared to 17 under Kettlewell) and have conceded fewer - 29 compared to 32 in their previous 17 matches.

McCann boasts a win percentage of almost 44 per cent while under Kettlewell it was just over 11 per cent.

Now the next step for McCann is to continue Killie's upward trajectory into next season and beyond.

Winger Findlay Curtis should "definitely" be in the Scotland squad for this summer's World Cup after scoring four goals in 13 appearances on loan at Kilmarnock, says Sportscene pundit and former Livingston boss Marvin Bartley.

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Joe Hugill says Kilmarnock always believed they would pull a victory out the bag even when the pressure came on against Dundee at Rugby Park.

Hugill's two late goals gave Neil McCann's side a 3-1 win to ensure Killie will be playing Premiership football next season.

There were nervous moments after Dundee levelled through Charlie Reilly, and with St Mirren beating Aberdeen at Pittodrie, it looked like the battle to avoid the relegation play-off would go down to the final match.

But Hugill's penalty with five minutes remaining and last-gasp header sent the home fans into delirium.

"I think as they scored we always knew we were going to get at least one more chance," Hugill told BBC Scotland.

"We always felt it was going to come, all lads on the pitch seem to constantly say 'we'll get one more, we'll get one more', and that's what we did."

"That was always the aim when I came here in January, to keep this club in the Premiership. To get the win was the main thing and that's what we've done. The aim is to get ninth. Just win our last game [against Livingston] and then that's all we can do."

Kilmarnock fans, we asked for your views after Tuesday night's 3-1 win over Dundee ensured the club will play a fifth straight season in the top flight.

Here are some of your comments:

Craig: It can't be understated the fantastic work Neil McCann and Billy Dodds have done in turning us around and getting the team going from strength to strength. Nervy game but we are safe, all that matters.

James: Pressure off. Well done to McCann and co. Our signings in the last window were the main difference and our top goalie back between the sticks saved the day. Now the work begins some players have to go, but some must stay.

John: I was seriously underwhelmed by the appointment of Neil McCann and Billy Dodds, I'm now so pleased to say how wrong I was. Not only have they saved us from the play-offs but Killie are now playing a cracking brand of football. What could have been had they been appointed prior to the season start? Well done all staff, management and players.

Anna: I really couldn't be happier with the result because my nerves were shredded. An awesome performance from the boys all over the pitch although I did question the 4-3-2-1 formation. To go one up then be pegged back by an own goal was a sickener but then up stepped Joe Hugill with two truly priceless goals to keep us in the Premiership. When that final whistle went I am not ashamed to say there were tears of relief in my eyes.

Scott: Sweet relief and relax. A fantastic result, really didn't want us going to Livingston needing points. Back for more next season and hopefully watch us fly under McCann and Dodds.

Jason: What an ending to our season. I was unsure about McCann's appointment but my word the guy has worked a miracle. I thought we were destined for the play-offs but he has completely turned it around. The signings he made in January have been the work of a genius, all of them to a man have played their part in securing our place in the SPFL next season. I'll take a quiet mid-table finish next season please, Ayrshire remains blue and white.

Watch all the highlights as Kilmarnock secured their Scottish Premiership status with a 3-1 victory over Dundee. Available to UK users only.

Kilmarnock will play Scottish Premiership football next season after a late double from Joe Hugill sealed victory over Dundee and consigned St Mirren to the relegation play-off.

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Kilmarnock boss Neil McCann: "It feels brilliant. When we came in here it looked pretty bleak. I have to compliment all the staff behind the scenes.

"It's a big night tonight, Saturday was a big afternoon. I just felt we'd do something. It's a special evening knowing we'll be in the Premiership next season.

"Billy [Dodds] and I came in to do a job and I'm delighted we've managed to be able to do that.

"I was aware [of the score at Pittodrie] but I was relatively calm until a deflected shot went into our top corner. But it was a matter of just keeping playing."

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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George Stanger has praised Neil McCann's infectious belief that has helped push Kilmarnock to the brink of Premiership safety.

Killie were second bottom and on a 14-game winless run when McCann took charge in January, but now have a four-point cushion over 11th-place St Mirren with two games to play.

Before tonight's visit of Dundee, defender Stanger said: "He obviously came in when we were in a difficult period. And from the outset he was very big on belief, and that he believed in us as players and as a squad.

"From my perspective, with the conversations you have with him, you really do feel that belief. Sometimes when someone says something to you, you don't necessarily feel it but I do when he speaks to me, that's with everyone as well.

"We can really tell that he believes in us and that's obviously a big thing from the manager."

Stanger admits the pressure is off "a wee bit" after the 3-0 win over St Mirren last weekend, but says his side cannot afford to relax.

"I think we'd be lying if we said that it didn't feel like there was a wee bit of pressure off after the game on Saturday. Just with the magnitude of the game and obviously the split, every game feels like a six-pointer and that was definitely that," he said.

"We're fully focused on the Dundee game now and I don't care what goes on at Pittodrie [where St Mirren face Aberdeen]. That's something we can't control. All we can control is what we do and that's the key message for everyone in that changing room."

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• Kilmarnock are unbeaten in eight Scottish Premiership home games against Dundee (W3 D5) since a 1-0 defeat in May 2017.

• Dundee have only lost one of their past six league games against Kilmarnock (W2 D3), a 3-2 defeat in May 2025.

• Kilmarnock have lost their final home league game in both of the past two seasons, going down 5-0 to Celtic in 2023-24 and 1-0 to Hearts last term. Killie were unbeaten in five such games before this (W3 D2 – including curtailed 2019-20 season).

• Dundee have won their final away game in three of their past five Scottish Premiership seasons (L2), beating St Johnstone 2-0 last year.

• Kilmarnock have won five of their past seven home league games (D1 L1), more than their previous 17 beforehand (W4 D4 L9).

Sandy Armour
Fan writer

There have been too few highs and far too many lows for Killie fans this season but I'm still buzzing after our win at Paisley on Saturday.

It was the classic six-pointer and once Killie took a first-half lead there only looked like being one winner.

It was fantastic to hear the magnificent travelling support singing the praises of the manager. Killie fans were rock bottom when Neil McCann and Billy Dodds arrived in January but the turnaround in form has been both unexpected and very pleasing.

Regardless of how the season ends they have shown they are capable of lifting spirits and getting vital wins while playing easy-on-the-eye football.

Of course nothing is yet decided and another victory is needed when Dundee travel to Rugby Park tonight for potentially the last home game on the plastic fantastic.

I'll predict another Killie win and the fans can look forward to a final-day party at Livingston.

Sandy Armour is editor of The Killie Hippo fanzine

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Kilmarnock captain Brad Lyons and Jack Thomson have returned to the squad. Goalkeeper Kelle Roos is back from a facial injury but the game probably comes too soon.

Tyreece John-Jules (quad), Djenairo Daniels (knee) and Matty Kennedy (hip) are sidelined.

Steven Pressley will give some of Dundee's fringe players a chance. Goalkeeper Jon McCracken is out with an ankle injury while Clark Robertson is still working his way back after recovering from a thigh injury.

Findlay Curtis scored twice in Kilmarnock's impressive 3-0 win over St Mirren last weekend and Sportscene pundit Scott Allan heaped praise upon the on-loan Rangers winger.

"It's a loan move that has worked out for the player and the club," Allan said.

"He's taken the responsibility to be creative. I like his intent every time he gets the ball.

"He can play and then look to go in behind because he has that pace and power. He's added end product since going to Kilmarnock.

"If he was at Rangers just now, in the form he's in, he would start for me."

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Neil McCann has challenged his Kilmarnock players to secure their Premiership status at the first available opportunity when they host Dundee on Tuesday.

Killie's convincing 3-0 win over St Mirren on Saturday put them four points clear of the Buddies with two matches to play.

St Mirren travel to Aberdeen on Tuesday night and McCann does not want to leave anything to chance.

"Well, we will get two shots at it," McCann said.

"The way that result went for us on Saturday was massive and it's given us two opportunities, really, to have it in our own hands to do the job.

"We would like to do it tomorrow night, against Dundee, we know it's going to be tough.

"But the confidence levels I feel have been there for a long time.

"Sometimes you don't always get that reward with a result, but I think the boys were magnificent in the game on Saturday in a high-pressure situation – the way we played with a bit of freedom, bravery, calmness and it puts us in a good position tomorrow night."

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann has been speaking to the media before their league match against Dundee on Tuesday.

Here are the key points from his news conference:

• McCann hailed the massive win against St Mirren at the weekend, which means they have two opportunities to ensure their Premiership status. He stressed they would "like to do it against Dundee", but appreciates it is going to be tough.

• Was impressed with the "magnificent" performance on Saturday "in a high-pressure situation". Such a display builds confidence for the Dundee game.

• McCann says on-loan Rangers winger Finlay Curtis has done "a remarkable job", but says it is too early to say if he could return next season. "He's the type of player we'd love to have in the longer term, but unfortunately, we're not in the box seat to decide that."

• McCann believes Curtis is in Scotland's 55-man provisional squad for the World Cup, and hopes his performances for Killie will give him an opportunity to go to the tournament. "I would love to see him there, of course. And we'd all at this football club take a lot of pride in that if he makes the World Cup squad."

• McCann thinks Dundee might play some fringe players, and believes Steven Pressley "has done a brilliant job", especially as he was under fire at the start of the season.

• McCann is not planning for next season just yet - he wants to focus on Tuesday's match and get the job done before he looks ahead.

• Team news: Brad Lyons and Jack Thomson are back in contention. Kelle Roos is back on the training pitch, but probably will not make it tomorrow night.

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Hearts' Claudio Braga could win an awards double after he was shortlisted for the Scottish Football Writers' Association player of the year award.

The Portuguese forward is nominated alongside teammate Lawrence Shankland and Motherwell duo Elijah Just and Tawanda Maswanhise.

The manager of the year award could also go to Tynecastle or Fir Park, with Derek McInnes and Jens Berthel Askou both nominated.

Falkirk boss John McGlynn and Celtic interim manager Martin O'Neill are also on the shortlist.

Four Scottish players are in the running for young player of the year - Falkirk striker Barney Stewart, Kilmarnock's on-loan Rangers winger Findlay Curtis, Dundee defender Luke Graham and Dunfermline's Andrew Tod.

The winners will be announced on Sunday, 17 May.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Kieran O'Hara - Dundee

A clean sheet and a penalty save as Dundee safeguarded their Premiership status.

Findlay Curtis - Kilmarnock

A star showing from Curtis with two huge goals over fellow relegation rivals St Mirren.

Stephen O'Donnell - Motherwell

What a block to deny Lawrence Shankland. Gave everything for the Motherwell cause.

Kieran Tierney - Celtic

There feels like there is so much more impetus about Celtic ever since the international break. Seasoned campaigners like Tierney have really come to the fore as Celtic make their final charge to defend their title. An assist for Maeda's first goal.

Jordan Obita - Hibernian

On the scoresheet in what was a big away win at the Falkirk Stadium.

Josh Campbell - Hibernian

Two well taken goals on the way to a big result which keeps alive Hibs hopes of catching Motherwell.

Callum McGregor - Celtic

A captain's performance as the Celtic leader marshalled his teammates to great effect throughout a potentially pivotal Old Firm victory.

Cam Congreve - Dundee

Another goal for the consistently excellent Welsh international on loan from Swansea.

Toyosi Olusanya - Aberdeen

Finally, his first goal for Aberdeen. Big moment for the former St Mirren man.

Lawrence Shankland- Hearts

Denied by O'Donnell, but you don't keep the Hearts captain down for long. When the next chance came along there was never any doubt Shankland would find the net. Could be a huge goal.

Daizen Maeda- Celtic

In a decidedly mixed season, Maeda was outstanding in the Old Firm derby. Time seemed to stand still as his stupendous overhead kick looped into the net behind Jack Butland. Maeda never stood still throughout this match, his energy levels saw him chase down Rangers players throughout. Two goals on the day and six goals in four games. Coming to the boil at just the right time.

Kilmarnock fans, we asked for your views on the 3-0 win over St Mirren, that put Neil McCann's side four points clear of 11th-placed St Mirren. Here's a taste of what you had to say...

Keren: Brilliant whole team performance, albeit against a poor St Mirren side. Great to see Lewis Mayo and David Watson come back in and play so well, too - two players that have given so much the past few seasons and we will miss if they are coming to the end of their time at Killie.

Grant: When we hired Neil McCann, I'll be honest, I dreaded it. I knew he would want to play expansive football and I doubted whether we had the players to do so. However I did not foresee Tyreece John-Jules, Michael Schjonning-Larsen, Aaron Tshibola (who has been dominant), Joe Hugill and, of course, Findlay Curtis. He has really added to our squad with signings who have made an impact and, as I say, humble pie. Well done, McCann.

Frank: Today's victory could be described as that perfect performance, only a couple more goals would have been a better reflection on the score. Three gems against St Mirren - Curtis, Big Tish [Tshibola] and Mad Max [Stryjek], what a difference they made.

Anna: Given our poor away form in the past, I couldn't be happier with a 3-0 win and three priceless points earned. Brilliant all over the pitch but little Findlay Curtis was unplayable and he scored twice, too.

Solid at the back with big Max [Stryjek] in goal with nothing to trouble him. Beat Dundee next week and it doesn't matter what St Mirren do, because it'll be safety for us and play-offs for them.

David: Excellent all round performance by Killie, to a man! One of the poorest St Mirren teams for a long time but doesn't take away from the fact it finally clicked for Killie. Very pleasing and well done Neil McCann.

Mark: It's been a very long wait but that was the type of away performance we used to see under Steve Clarke at just the right time too, very enjoyable.

Findlay Curtis, currently with Kilmarnock, could yet agree another loan move away from Rangers next season as summer signings might keep the 19-year-old winger down the pecking order at Ibrox. (Football Insider), external

Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann: "We came to really difficult place, full stadium, St Mirren would come at us. We were ready for it.

"I felt there was massive belief among the players. To get the win is so pleasing. We showed today how good a side we are.

"The fans have really come with us. We were in a difficult position when we came in. They've seen we're a good side and we're playing in an attractive manner that's engaging them.

"We showed in the second half how good we can be. It could have been four or five, but I don't want to be too greedy.

"We've not done anything yet. We've got a brilliant three points and we'll enjoy it."

Kilmarnock boosted their hopes of Scottish Premiership survival with a vital victory over St Mirren, which eases them four points clear of their relegation rivals in the play-off spot with two games to play.

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