Kilmarnock 'never worried' about league position - Vassell

Kyle Vassell insists Kilmarnock were never concerned about their league position after their excellent recent form guided Derek McInnes' side up the Premiership table.

Hibernian's recent resurgence means perhaps they've flown under the radar, but Kilmarnock have also enjoyed a fine end to 2024 that has them knocking on the door of the top six.

Eight points from a possible 12 in their last four games has them eighth in the league, seven points clear of bottom side St Johnstone and suddenly looking up instead of down.

"We've never been worried about where we are in the table," Vassell said after the 4-0 win over Aberdeen on Boxing Day.

"It's a long season and this league is so tight, a couple of games, a couple of wins can turn your season.

"It happened to us last season. We've not been worried, we're not worried about that [relegation]. We've got too much in that dressing room to worry about that, we're always concentrating on going up."

The Killie skipper also singled out one teammate for praise. After a quiet start to the season, Fraser Murray has played an important role in Kilmarnock's renaissance and contributed two assists on Boxing Day.

"Fraz was excellent against Aberdeen," Vassell said. "It's a tough one for him because he's got one of the best players at the club in his position, in Matty Kennedy.

"So it's hard for him to get a chance, and then when he gets a chance, to take his chance because you have to be excellent to keep Matty out of the team.

"But with Matty's injury, it's really allowed him to keep on and get some confidence and get some self-belief.

"Every pre-season I've been at the club, he's been the best player pre-season, hands down. He's got bundles and bundles and bundles of ability and talent. And he's now just showing it to everyone.

"He's excellent, he can do both sides, left foot, right foot. He's a very talented boy."