BULLY’S SPECIAL PRIZE
GMS reckons games of darts and card schools can help Killie’s band of brothers reach Europe
GARY MACKAY-STEVEN reckons sessions on the oche can help Kilmarnock hit the European bullseye.
The rugby Park side have sealed a top-six spot and are now targeting continental competition with seven Premiership games to go.
Derek Mcinnes’ men have been sparkling through the campaign with unity and spirit backing up their ability.
Mackay-Steven believes the bonds built away from the pitch are key to the success.
He said: “The manager has always been great at building good changing rooms, not just with good players but with good personalities.
“He loves it when boys will stick around training together and have those friendships.
“Whether it’s darts, or playing cards, having coffees together, everyone has good relations throughout the team. i don’t mind the cards but i like the darts.
“There’s a group that does all these things after training. it’s a good laugh and it’s so important. You enjoy spending time with team-mates and that helps massively on the park. Wanting to put a shift in for the team helps and it’s a good formula.
“We’re having a laugh while doing it. it’s a great place to be and to do your work.”
Having played for Dundee United, celtic, aberdeen and Hearts in europe, Mackay-Steven believes it’s a huge target for the killie squad.
He said: “it’s a big deal. Not too many have experienced it yet but i’m sure they will in the future and hopefully that is next season. if we apply ourselves right that’s a realistic aim for us.
“The next realistic target with the quality we have is europe. Your career and seasons fly by so you have to grab every opportunity and it’s a massive one that the boys are hungry to get into position for.
“We need an even bigger push now to end the season in a successful way and I have that to look forward to hopefully going forward.”
Mackay-Steven hopes to play a role on the park but is delighted to do his bit even if he’s not on the pitch.
He said: “The team is doing really well and it’s great to be part of it.
“obviously i’d like to play a little more but i can’t complain with the way the boys are producing all of the time. So i’m happy to be fit, training and available.
“We’ve got a lot of big games still to come and lots to play for trying to secure top six and aiming for european places. You have to be at it every day in training and ready when called upon.
“i have strong relationships with a lot of the boys and you get that from training every day and being around.
“i feel i’ve played a part, for sure, making sure training is at a good level and everyone is working as there is so much competition for places and boys on their toes.
“And it’s just making sure before games boys have that confidence to go out and express themselves.
“i feel they’re all doing that, which is pleasing for me to see and bodes well for the whole club.”
Mackay-Steven’s deal expires at the end of the season and he will speak with killie gaffe Mcinnes about the future.
But it’s on the backburner for now and the 33-year-old winger added: “No, we’ve not spoken. it’s just been about training and staying fit.
“There’s been a lot of games coming thick and fast and it’s been eyes on the prize for that.
“We’ll probably have a conversation at some point, but right now it’s just working hard, making yourself available and give the manager as much of a headache as possible, fill the boys with confidence hoping they keep producing and ultimately keep winning.”