Jamie Brandon relishing swift Livingston reunion ahead of Kilmarnock cup tie

Jamie Brandon is relishing his swift reunion with his former Livingston team-mates as he prepares for his home debut for Kilmarnock.

Livingston visit Rugby Park in Wednesday’s sole Premier Sports Cup tie and will be back at the same venue for the opening match of the William Hill Premiership season on August 2.

Brandon left Livingston after captaining the club to SPFL Trust and Premiership play-off success last season.

Looking ahead to the cup tie, the 27-year-old said: “It will be enjoyable obviously. I know everyone there very well and know how they like to work.

“It will be a tough test and they’re a competitive team so it’s one I’m looking forward to.

“With the draw and then the first league game as well – nice and quick playing against them.

“I do find it a little bit strange. Obviously I was there for three years and I only just left not long ago and you’re back playing against them.

“So it’s quite a quick turnaround but it’s one I’m looking forward to and I want to showcase what us at Kilmarnock can do against them.”

Brandon moved under freedom of contract last month to become Stuart Kettlewell’s first signing as Killie manager after three years at Livi.

“It was a time that I really enjoyed and I think particularly last season, it was a successful year and probably where I played my best football in my career,” the versatile former Hearts player said. “So I look back with fond memories.

“I’m here at Kilmarnock now and I’m looking forward to kicking on here and hopefully we can be successful this year.

“Coming to work underneath the gaffer, people I’ve spoken to and who have played under him have always said positive things. I felt like he could improve me as a player and I felt coming to Kilmarnock was the next step for me in my career.

“I think we’ve signed really well this summer and I think it’s a great squad so I think we can go on and be successful this year.”