Derek McInnes: Home form crucial if Kilmarnock want top-six finish again

Derek McInnes believes turning Rugby Park into a fortress will be key to Kilmarnock’s fortunes over the second half of the season.

Killie welcome Ross County to Ayrshire on Sunday after winning their last three home William Hill Premiership encounters without conceding a goal.

McInnes pointed to the importance of the team’s home form last season as they finished fourth and qualified for Europe, and wants more of the same over the remainder of this campaign.

He said: “I think we are (turning Rugby Park into a fortress). Other than Celtic, St Johnstone – after we went down to 10 men after 15 minutes – is the only game we’ve not got something from at home.

“Even in Europe against good teams we were unbeaten here. Winning games is so important for us to have confidence again. We need to be a team that enjoys playing at home and we do.

“Last year our home form got us fourth spot, there’s no doubt about it. Any team will not meet the demand that’s expected of it if you can’t be good at home.

“It’s important we batter on and keep trying to get these wins at home. If we can be that home team again, as we’ve been in the past, then I think we’ll be there or thereabouts again (for a top-six finish).”

Killie remain just outside the top-six places but McInnes is confident this can become another successful year.

He added: “We want 2025 to be as significant as 2024 for us as a club. It was a brilliant campaign and will live long in the memory.

“We don’t get silverware for finishing fourth or getting in Europe but it was such a rewarding campaign for how much the fans enjoyed it.

“And that spills into this season with the European trips and stuff like that. It’s important for us not to just settle for anything other than that again. Hopefully we can work towards that and 2025 can be memorable as well.”

Meanwhile, Corrie Ndaba hopes being part of a successful Kilmarnock side can push him into contention for a call-up for the full Republic of Ireland squad.

The Dublin-born defender said: “That’s a big motivation for me. I’ve played at younger age groups with players like Liam Scales so that motivates me as well, seeing him playing, getting called up.

“Hopefully, I can just keep putting in performances and get that recognition. I really like playing under the manager here. I respect him a lot and he’s helping me improve.

“He’s putting the trust in me to play and I’ll learn with each game.”