Striker Bobby Wales urged to stay at Kilmarnock by manager Derek McInnes

Derek McInnes has urged Bobby Wales to stay at Kilmarnock, believing he will be called up to the Scotland squad if he does so.

The 19-year-old striker is out of contract at the end of the season and is free to speak to other interested parties about a pre-contract agreement, with manager McInnes admitting he would be “devastated” to lose the youngster.

McInnes believes the best place for him to flourish in Ayrshire, as he pointed to the call-up of 18-year-old Hearts forward James Wilson’s to the Scotland squad for this month’s Nations League play-off matches with Greece.

“It should be incentive for all players, if your playing regularly and doing well in the Scottish Premier League, your normally under the eye of the Scotland manager”, he said.

“For Bobby, I think If he looks at someone like James Wilson getting called up, someone who’s young and playing and scoring in the premier league, as is Bobby, you know, different types of players but similar types of pathways in terms of their development, so I think it should give them all encouragement.

“For me, I firmly believe that Bobby being here longer will be the right move for him. Ideally, I have my Killie head on here and I want Bobby to be here for our club and for our cause, but I actually think it’d be really good for him and I’d be devastated if Bobby was to leave knowing that if he performs well with us, I’d be sure he can get into the international set up, I’ve no doubt about it.”

Kilmarnock will face Hibernian on Saturday, and McInnes hopes to get some key players back on his squad.

Midfielder Kyle Magennis is out for six to eight weeks – meaning his season is potentially over – but in more welcome news for Kilmarnock, Stuart Findlay and Kyle Vassell could be back in contention soon.

McInnis said: “In terms of us preparing now, get a wee bit longer to prepare for Hibs, so it’s been a bit of a good break, because I think at the time there were certain lads, the ones included and one or two others, who could do with getting their training minutes built up.

“Stewart is my Carter Vickers, he’s been a big emphasis on how well we done last season, and a big part of that, and Kyle’s the captain and leads by example at the top end of the pitch. We missed that physicality and leadership qualities from both lads to be honest.”