Arnaud is Lions’ hearted
rather than later – and I’ll have many more years as a No.1.”
If Clark had decided to drop any other Killie player, his decision would have slipped under the radar.
But MacDonald’s omission has raised eyebrows among the Rugby Park support and beyond.
Woodman is highly rated and might prove to be a key man in keeping the Ayrshire club in the top flight this season.
But most observers would agree that had it not been for MacDonald’s saves Killie would be in a far worse position than they are now.
The former Hearts and Falkirk star said: “This is the probably the lowest I’ve felt in football. Just because my form has been good at Killie.
“If I wasn’t performing to a high standard I’d be the first to hold up my hands.
“The feedback I’ve had from everyone at the club has been positive. My time at Kilmarnock has been great on a personal level.
“And I know the supporters have appreciated the job I’ve done.
“For the last five years as a No.1, I feel I’ve been a consistent goalkeeper at this level.
“If I deserved to be dropped, I’d admit it. But it’s the manager’s decision and it’s something I have to live with. realise that it won’t get me anywhere. I pride myself on being professional and I need to show that now.
“I’ll work hard and my attitude will never be in question.
“I have a responsibility to be a good example to younger boys in the squad.” for a manager when you bring in a lot of loan players.
“You tend to find that these boys will play, especially when they are coming from big clubs.
“They’re not letting them go not to play. It might be that the only reason you get these boys on loan is if they’re given first opportunity to play.
“That might be the case here, I really don’t know.
“But it’s up to me to prove him wrong in the next few weeks.
“Freddie’s a great lad. I’ve tried to help him with anything he needs.
“I’m not the type to go sulking and make things awkward.
“It’s part of football. But I will be working so hard to make sure I get back in the team ahead of him.” Arnaud Djoum only needs to glance at his phone to realise the enormity of his achievement with Cameroon.
The Hearts midfielder has been boosted by photos and videos from his homeland as he prepares to battle for Africa Cup of Nations glory tonight.
Family and friends from his home town of Yaounde have described a city gripped by football fever after Hugo Broos’ side defied the odds to reach the showpiece against Egypt.
The Indomitable Lions are now just 90 minutes away from claiming the famous trophy for the fifth time.
And, in a rare success story for Scotland on a world stage, a representative of the SPFL has been at the heart of it.
Djoum said: “My family are in Cameroon and have been describing the atmosphere and their pictures and videos are just amazing.
“People are dancing on the streets and celebrating. It makes the players feel proud and determined to succeed.
“What will it be like if we win the trophy? Nothing I have ever experienced! We want to win and enjoy the celebrations with all of the fans.”
Djoum was born in Yaounde and moved to Belgium aged four – but his passion for his native country never waned.
He grew up watching Cameroon dominate African football, winning the Cup in 2000 and 2002, but he never imagined he would one day emulate them.
He said: “I was a little boy then and of course you dream of doing what they did.
“To actually be here is hard to believe. We are following some great teams and great players – but hopefully we can create some history.”
It is a huge turnaround for a player who was without a club just 18 months ago.
Former Jambos head coach Robbie Neilson salvaged his career and he said: “Hearts are a special club to me and have given me a lot – without them I would not be on this stage.”