Blow for Kilmarnock as Kyle Magennis ruled out for remainder of season

Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes has revealed that Kyle Magennis is out for the remainder of the Premiership season as the midfielder’s injury troubles continue.

Magennis made the move from Hibernian last summer hoping to draw a line under his fitness issues, having only played 49 times for the Leith club in three years.

After a promising start at Rugby Park, playing in every League Cup group game and the first seven Premiership fixtures, he suffered injury at the end of September. Though he played one game in December, he has been missing since and now faces an extended spell of rehabilitation.

Confirmation of his absence came as McInnes gave an update on other injured players. Robbie Deas is close to first team action after being out with a fractured cheekbone, while Brad Lyons’ knee problem looks set to keep him out until April.

“Robbie Deas is out (for Saturday’s trip to Celtic), although he has been fitted now for a mask, so hopefully he can resume full training next week which is a real bonus,” McInnes said.

“Brad Lyons and Kyle Magennis are the two longer-term injuries, Brad we might get back before the split or round about it, but Kyle is out for the season.”

Killie enjoyed a strong first half to the season and are currently fourth and in with a chance of earning European football.

McInnes has warned his players that they can take nothing for granted though, and will need to be at their best to be sure of even finishing in the top half of the Premiership.

“With eight games to go before the split, it’s important we don’t feel as if we’ve already done enough to get into the top six,” he said.

“It’s the team that finds form now that will get there so it’s important we raise our levels and keep our shoulder to the wheel to try and drive the club into the top six.

“It would be a huge achievement from where we were two years ago and where we were last season.

“I think it would demonstrate a lot of good work from everybody at the club but we’re not there yet.

“As happy as we are sitting in fourth, the top three are probably cemented in the top six and then after that every team down to probably 10th will feel they have a chance of getting into the top six so that in itself tells you there’s still work to be done. We know we’ve still got a few more wins to get.”