The lads were great... I could only take so much of Homes Under the Hammer!
Lyons hails Killie pals during injury hell
We’re not scared to say Europe is now our main drive brad lyons is eyeing a win over saints as killie aim for a top-four finish
BRAD LYONS relied on his Killie teammates to give him a lift when he was down in the dumps.
Now the Rugby Park midfielder is determined to repay his pals by driving the side to Europe.
Lyons spent four months on the sidelines with a knee injury but the Killie squad gave him the perfect pick up by taxiing him to training and days out to help guide him through his comeback.
The Northern Ireland cap is back in business and out to finish the season in style.
Lyons said: “The boys have been brilliant. I could’ve been stuck in watching Homes Under the Hammer for weeks.
“It was 15 weeks and I had six weeks in a brace with crutches. But they’ve been brilliant since minute one. They got me around here and got me out the house, taking me for coffees and keeping my thoughts off the injury.
“I had Innes Cameron driving me about, I think I might owe him a few lifts.
“I really appreciated it from all of them. I’d say being out for so long is tougher mentally than it is physically.
“Before I got injured I started every game I was available, so it was frustrating.
“It was going well. I’d scored against Rangers and captained the side a few times, which was a really proud moment for me.
“My performances for Kilmarnock led to the international call up. It was always my dream and it was a dream come true making an appearance for Northern Ireland.
But that is football, there are ups and downs.”
Lyons was especially gutted to miss his nation’s friendly win in Scotland last month.
But the frustration has only fuelled his desire to return.
Lyons said: “It was hard missing the Northern Ireland game against Scotland. I gave the boys here plenty of stick.
“There is frustration in football but it just gives me motivation to get back stronger and fitter. I’m better playing than watching.
“Its tough. But I know the quality we have and I was always comfortable enough watching them.
“Whoever stepped in, whether it was David Watson, Liam Donnelly, Liam Polworth or Rory McKenzie, they have been unbelievable.
“That’s why the club has secured top six. I knew the boys could do the job. That’s also why I want to get back out on the pitch and help with the final push.
“It makes me hungry seeing them doing so well.”
Lyons, who penned a new deal last week, wants to get Killie over the line in the race for Europe, with St Johnstone up at Rugby Park this afternoon.
He said: “We are not scared to say Europe is now our main drive. We have made the top six and that’s the next aim.
“The club and the fans deserve it for sticking with us in the Championship and the relegation battle last season.
“We want to repay them and ourselves for the hard work.
There was more pressure last season when we were fighting to stay in the league.
“This time we can enjoy it and try to get the wins to get in Europe.”
Lyons wants a grandstand finish but he revealed he jumped at the chance to sign a new contract as he can see a bright future in Ayrshire.
He said: “The contract was the easiest decision I’ve had to make.
“I’ve been here during the tough times but it’s been a journey for me from promotion to playing a part in keeping the boys up.
“This season has been a progression as a squad and a club. I want to be part of the club pushing forward again.”