McInnes 'delighted' over manager award as he reveals double injury blow

Derek McInnes says he is “delighted” to be named the Premiership Manager of the Month for December as he revealed he is dealing with a double injury blow.

Kilmarnock return from a two-week winter break to play Dundee in the Scottish Cup this weekend after ending 2023 with three wins and two draws.

But it wasn’t all good news for the Rugby Park boss as he revealed midfielders Kyle Magennis and Brad Lyons are facing a lengthy spell on the sidlelines after going under the knife for respective hamstring and cruciate injuries.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, McInnes said: “We have two significant injuries.

“Kyle Magennis had has a recurrence – a different muscle in part of the hamstring but still a significant injury – and he has had an operation and he will be out for the next wee while.

“And Brad Lyons has had an operation, the challenge here, where he had to come off against Dundee has now ruled him out for the best part of 10 weeks or so.

“He has had an operation on the cartilage so two boys, particularly Kyle at the start of the campaign and Brad throughout, have been really influential.

“So it is a real blow that we are missing both lads, in the same areas of the pitch, but we have to deal with these injuries.

“We have Innes Cameron at the top end of the pitch available again and Liam Donnelly back training this week.

“We could do with a couple of healthy days going into Saturday’s game and then we will see where we are sitting before the window closes.”

Despite the loss of two midfielders, McInnes is still prioritising a striker before the transfer window comes to an end.

He said: “Still looking in forward areas. I have been really pleased with what we have got here but I am still looking to bring in a different type of forward if we can.

“I think in every transfer window I have ever been involved in as a manager I have been looking for a forward.

“But the whole league is looking for a striker. January is notoriously a month where clubs hold on to good strikers. It is tough to get them.

“So unless you are paying top dollar, and can knock doors and make people think twice, it is a difficult month.”