Kilmarnock ace 'excited' by season ahead but admits they must improve on Kelty showing
Kilmarnock midfielder Rory McKenzie knows his side's display against Kelty Hearts wasn't good enough - but he refuses to be too downcast following their Premier Sports Cup penalty shoot-out defeat in Fife.
Killie would have taken a huge step towards confirming their place in the knockout stages if they'd picked up the points at New Central Park, but a string of fine saves from Ryan Adamson thwarted their hopes.
And the stopper, only in the team because Corey Armour was ineligible to face his parent club, saved two penalties in the shoot-out to give the hosts the bonus point.
Despite the disappointment, it's still a case of win and in for Killie as they know three points at home to East Fife on Saturday will see them finish as Group H winners and progress.
McKenzie said: 'We didn't really create much to be honest, a draw was probably a fair result. I thought Kelty were really impressive on the night and we just didn't do enough to score.
"If we win on Saturday we still go through so it's still in our hands. Everyone looking at it from the outside just expects the bigger teams to roll the smaller teams over but it's not the case. Yes, we should be better but these games are always tough.
"We're not happy after that, it wasn't good enough but the positive is that it's in our own hands. It is a clean sheet and George (Stanger) has come in and done really well this season so we'll take the small positives.'
It's been a summer of change for Killie as McKenzie enters his 15th season at the club. A new manager along with a whole host of exits and new faces - and the 31-year-old admits he's seeing plenty to get excited about.
He said: 'It's a big change, the way we want to play. It's going to take time but we're all positive even after this result that we're going in the right direction. The majority have been with us since the start of pre-season and came to Holland with us. It's a good bunch and I'm excited.
"I'm not a huge talker but if boys want to chat to me, I'm more than happy to talk about the club. I guess that comes with that respect of being here for so long that they know they can come and talk to me. Having boys who are familiar with the club can help.'
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