Bailey Rice will be fit for Kilmarnock’s weekend clash with Hearts. The on-loan Rangers midfielder made his first Premiership start in Tuesday’s win over Hibs but was caught by Josh Mulligan in a challenge at Easter Road.
He was taken off after 67 minutes after the ankle knock, but it was merely a precaution. The Scotland U21 international is back in full training and will be available for selection for the Hearts game.
Determined to build on Hibs performance
The 19-year-old is determined to kick on and build on his performance at Hibs. Rice has had to be patient to get his chance under Neil McCann. He is now getting the opportunity and is determined to take it.
The player had several options in the summer but decided to sign a new contract with Rangers and make the loan move to Rugby Park. Rangers were keen to send Rice to Killie after the successful loan of Findlay Curtis at Rugby Park last season. He has returned and become a Rangers and Scotland regular. Rice is hoping to follow in his footsteps in Ayrshire this season.
Kilmarnock’s season so far
Kilmarnock have made a slow start in the Premiership. The win at Hibs saw them pick up their first league win of the season. It was the perfect reaction after the heartbreak of their penalty shootout loss to Aberdeen in the Premier Sports Cup.
Killie is still bottom of the table but just one point off Dundee United and Falkirk. The Premiership is so tightly bunched that Kilmarnock are only three points off a top six place.
