KILLIE BOSS DEMANDS CUP DERBY VICTORY

LEE McCulloch admits an Ay rs h i r e d e r by wo u l d ideally have come slightly later in the season but the Kilmarnock boss knows a long-awaited victory at Somerset Park would be an ideal way to kick-start his permanent reign.

McCulloch has been in charge since mid-February on an interim basis but tonight’s trip to face Ayr will see at least some of his six new signings — Daniel Higgins, Alan Power, Calum Waters, Stephen O’Donnell, Kirk Broadfoot and Dom Thomas — make their debuts.

“It’s a massive game to start off with,” McCulloch said ahead of the Betfred Cup group stage opener.

“Obviously my first game in charge officially and a lot of boys just coming into the club. We have stressed the importance of the derby.

“Ideally in my own head it would come a little bit later, we have only had t wo matches, so we have players who haven’t played 90 minutes getting shipped into their first derby.

“I’m told the club has not won there in 24 years in major competitions, so to win there would be a fantastic start.”

Thomas is McCulloch’s latest signing after Motherwell allowed t he talented 21-year-old winger to move on.

“Motherwell were apparently going to put him out on l oan and I heard from his agent and I jumped at the chance to sign him,” McCulloch said. “I think it’s a great bit of business for the club.”