Donnelly delighted to put injuries behind him as Killie feel the fourth in the league
Liam Donnelly is looking for a little more fanfare than the last time he was part of a successful European qualification bid.
The Kilmarnock midfielder was at Motherwell when third place in 2019-20 was rubberstamped by an SPFL board meeting.
Covid curtailed the season, preventing Donnelly and his team-mates from proving themselves “best of the rest” on the pitch for the final eight games.
Muted celebrations took place in the individual homes of players and staff whenleaguestandings were confirmed on May 18 without a ball being kicked after March 11. Donnelly rates Killie’s imminent achievement of fourth at least on a par with that effort.
He said: “I think this compares just as well, if not better, to the time with Motherwell when you consider the situation we wereinlastyear.
“It’s a great achievement for Kilmarnock. It’s been such a positive season so far.
“With Motherwell, that was the Covid year. We were in a bit of a precarious situation at the time.
“Aberdeen were a point behind and due to play us on the Friday when the season stopped.
“That would obviously have been a big game in terms of who was going to finish third.
“I think it was later based on points per game to decide standings. We were obviously glad, at the time, to get third. But, it would be a lot nicer to finish the season knowing you’vedoneitthefullway.
“Looking to now, we’re all delighted to be in this position. But we won’t ease off. We want as many wins as possible before the end of the season.”
Aberdeen also qualified for Europe that year yet ousting the Dons from third was a mighty achievement for Motherwell.
In 2023-24, there’s been no stopping Hearts from chasing the Old Firm home.
But Derek McInnes’ men have been the surprise package 12 months after a final-day relegation play-off escape.
The dream continues for Donnelly as he’s under contract for another year and thrilled by the thought of
Europa League qualifiers. He just needs fair fortune with fitness to ensure no repeat of the wicked luck that wrecked his Euro involvement with Well.
The Northern Irishman, 28, suffered a serious knee injury after just one Premiership game of 2020-21.
He missed Motherwell’s adventures against Glentoran, Coleraine and Hapoel Be’er Sheva – then the rest of the season.
“Missing out on the European games was a real frustration,” said Donnelly.
“I was at the games. It was difficult sitting in the stand watching and not being involved. Hopefully I get a taste of it next season.”
Donnelly moved to Killie on a one-year deal in 2022 but only after missing the bulk of pre-season. His return
on a two-year contract wasn’t agreed until last August, meaning he again didn’t benefit from summer fitness work with the rest of the camp.
He concedes that’s come at a cost. However, he’s grown more influential since Christmas alongside ex-Fir Park colleague Liam Polworth.
“Thelasttwosummers wereabitupintheair,” said Donnelly. “I’m looking forward to a pre-season!
“Missing the last two had an affect on me being at the right level to start the season.
“That’swhenyoupickup niggling injuries. “Thankfully, I’ve got to the stage of being regularly available.
“The atmosphere around theclubissoenjoyable knowing that we’re fighting at the right end of the table.”