MEDAL WELL WORTH THE WAIT FOR McKENZIE

A BOYHOOD Killie fan who has given over 10 years of service to the Ayrshire club, Friday’s night’s Championship title triumph was always likely to mean that little bit more to Rory McKenzie.

McKenzie is a local lad who still lives in the area and he spoke openly about how painful the club’s relegation from the top flight was 12 months ago.

But Killie have now returned to the Premiership at the first time of asking thanks to the dramatic 2-1 victory over Arbroath, secured by Blair Alston’s last-gasp winner.

And McKenzie admits it was an emotional affair for both himself and his family as the Killie fans partied on the pitch at full-time.

‘It was quite emotional when I saw my brothers, Craig and Fraser, at the end,’ said the Killie stalwart. ‘I was welling up and I was also lost for words. I saw Craig running on at the end and I kissed him so hard I burst his lip.

‘In the second half, I was just willing the ball in every time we got a corner. (Derek) Gaston kept pulling off save after save and I didn’t think it was going to come.

‘We have had loads of chances but he’s pulled off three or four top saves. You are starting to think it is not going to be your night.

‘But what a finish from Blair. If there is a way to win the league, then that is surely it.’

McKenzie, who was on loan at Brechin when Killie won the League Cup in 2012, admits the 11-year wait to get a trophy with his boyhood club was worth it.

He said: ‘It is easily the most satisfying moment of my time here.

‘I was lost for words and that has never happened before. You think you are going to win trophies at the start of your career.

‘You think you are going to do amazing things. But, that is 11 years I have been in the first team and this is my first medal.

‘We finished third a few seasons ago but you don’t get anything for finishing third. To now have something to show for our efforts is incredible.’