You the man
Mulumbu back in Scotland and set for a Rugby Park return
YOUSSOUF MULUMBU was in Ayrshire yesterday as he edged closer to a third spell at Kilmarnock.
The 33-year-old underwent Covid testing that would allow him to start training with Alex Dyer’s side as he bids to win a contract almost a year since he last played.
Rugby Park assistant Andy Millen was coy on the subject of a deal for the Congo international when pressed yesterday.
But he did admit the midfielder had remained in touch with Dyer since he last left Ayrshire a year ago.
Now that relationship could herald a third spell at Rugby Park for the former Celtic and West Brom man.
Millen said: “Mulumbu and the manager have a good relationship and have kept in touch.
“He is someone of quality and Kilmarnock are always looking for people with quality. But at the moment there is nothing to say that Youssouf is in the building or going to be signing.
“If you’re fortunate enough to work with Youssouf you know that he’s a very good football player. More importantly he’s a really good human being.
“At the time he was here he was very good for the dressing room. You don’t play in the English top flight for the length of time he did without having quality.”
Mulumbu hasn’t played since his loan spell back at Rugby Park ended in the summer of 2019.
Millen added: “If Youssouf was coming back to play anywhere it’s only natural that he would take a wee bit to get up to speed.
“But in terms of ability you never lose that. With his age he would be even more refined. He’s got ability, no doubt about that.”
Millen admits son Ross learned the harshest of lessons after his red card cost Killie the points against St Johnstone on Saturday.
He will now miss the trip to Rangers tomorrow and asked if he put an arm around the shoulder of the 25-year-old, Millen Snr said: “Anyone who knows me will know that our relationship doesn’t exist at the club.
“I treat him the same as anyone else, we just stay in the same house – sometimes in another part of the house!
“At the end of the day his decision-making was wrong, he has got to take it on the chin. You need to learn from these mistakes, that’s how you get better.”