Mulumbu returns for a Killie ‘ family’ reunion

Youssouf Mulumbu feels like one of the Kilmarnock family again after signing on for the third time.

The Democratic Republic of Congo international was a fans’ favourite during his previous two stints and has been lured back on an initial six- month deal.

M a n a g e r A l e x D y e r hopes he can rediscover the form which made him a key figure as the team – managed by Steve Clarke – achieved top- six finishes in both 2018 and 2019.

The former West Brom a c e has not pl ayed f or more t han a year since his last stint with Kilmarnock, on loan from Celtic, ended, but having spent a week training with Dyer’s side the 33- year- old will go straight into the squad to face Dundee United.

Mulumbu said: “For me nothing changes, it is family. I came back to training and I knew all the lads in the dressing room so it has been easy to adapt myself.

“I need to get my fitness back, but once I get on the pitch I’ll be ready to get going and help the team.

“I’m so glad to be back and with the lads.”

Me a n wh i l e , D u n d e e United boss Micky Mellon is not worried by the sight of scouts packing the Tannadice stands.

Everton, Leicester, Southampton and Leeds were the latest clubs to assess 17- year- old defender Lewis Neilson in action against Celti c, while Lawrence Shankland also continues t o dr aw a t t e nt i on. But Mellon would be more worried if the Terrors were not attracting interest.

He said: “Lewis i s our player who we’re trying to develop. I felt he was at a stage in his career that he could help the team move forward. But he has to find that consistency to stay in the team.

“As far as interest in him, then I’m delighted for him. I hope there is because that means I’ve got good players here. I wouldn’t want an empty scouting bay as that would mean people had made their mind up about my team.”