Europe, Boydy & derby goals

Kilmarnock take on local rivals Ayr United on Friday in a 'friendly'... If that's possible between the two.

It's, of course, for Rugby Park legend, Rory McKenzie's testimonial.

He made his debut for Kilmarnock 14 years ago as a teenager and has enjoyed some superb moments throughout the years.

As he prepares for his big night, he racked his brain and singled out a few stand-out memories of his time with the Ayrshire club.

Cercle Brugge

One that springs instantly to his mind is last season's European adventure, when Killie came close to knocking out Cercle Brugge in the Europa League qualifiers.

A 1-1 draw at a packed Rugby Park was then followed by a narrow 1-0 defeat in front of a sizeable travelling support who'd looked out their football passports for the first time since 2019.

Staying up

"Staying up on the last day of the season, the day Boydy scored."

Hibs fans, look away now.

Another standout memory for McKenzie was the final day of the season in 2014 when talismanic striker Kris Boyd scored the only goal of the game at Easter Road to secure Killie's top-flight status, and condemn Hibs to a relegation play-off.

The Easter Road side, with Terry Butcher as manager, went on to lose in a penalty shoot-out against Hamilton Accies and join city rivals Hearts in the second tier.

Goals against Ayr United

This one will go down well with Friday's testimonial opponents.

Among McKenzie's fond memories are the two goals he's scored against Ayr United.

The first, the only goal of a League Cup tie in August 2014. The second, the opener in a 3-1 win at Somerset Park in the Championship in March 2022.