killiefc.com .... THE Killie Fans Site !!!!

something, and I don’t know if it’s true or not, but I was always led to believe that I had more to worry about if opposition fans ignored me. I’ve hung on to that.

"My weight has been a problem, and if I’m not playing or training, then I put on weight, which is why I’ve got big shorts looked out for when I finish playing," he reveals, displaying another glint of the humour utilised to fend off barbs. "But most players are like that, and it’s never been as big a problem as some people have made out. I wouldn’t be playing every week at this level if it was."

"Don’t worry, Every now and then something somebody says does hurt me, but as long as the gaffer is happy with me and I’m playing, then usually I couldn’t care less what other people think."

On Billy McNeill, who infamously labelled him the next Baggio... "Most of them don’t even know who Baggio is. They’re all too young!"

On having to start over so many times..."It is ironic that, during my seven years at Bolton, people always introduced me as the former Celtic player, but as soon as I signed for Kilmarnock, the fans here weren’t too happy because I was seen as a Hearts player. That was because I came along with the gaffer and Billy [Brown], Gary McSwegan, Gary Locke, wee Jose Quitongo. But I just tried to win them over, and I hope I’ve done that now."

On his 100% commitment..."I do give everything in matches. When I was younger, I probably wasn’t ambitious enough, and I messed about away from

the park. Guys like Tommy Burns or Paul McStay would have words with me every other week, but I think it all came too easy for me. But now I really appreciate what I’ve got, and the boot’s on the other foot. Now I’m the one having words with the younger players. But you can’t force lads to listen: I hope they take my advice, but if they don’t, they don’t."

On being released by Hearts last season..."To a certain degree, it is personal. You want to prove people wrong, and you want fans there to watch you and start asking why the club let you go, but I can honestly say that if we don’t do it, then I will be happy for Hearts because I really enjoyed my football

when I was there. I liked the fans, I’ve still got friends among the players, and I’d be happy for some backroom staff, like the physio."

On playing Rangers & the SPL "run-in"..."It’s just great to be involved in games like this at this stage of the season. We each have our own agenda, so it’s a massive game for both of us. It will be more difficult because it’s at Ibrox, but it will be a great atmosphere because, like Celtic fans, Rangers fans are up to high-doh."

On the Prior 02-03 Rangers matches..."We’ve also drawn with them (Rangers), and the last time we played them at Rugby Park, we felt we were unlucky to lose 1-0. That game at Ibrox really hurt us. It was 4-0 after about 30 minutes, and they were creating chances every time they went forward. It was horrible to look up at the scoreboard and see that scoreline and realise we’d only played 30 minutes. That’s a terrible feeling, and you know it’s going to be a long day, and probably one you will want to forget. But I think that result helped us because we learned from it. We stuck together and worked that bit harder. This time we should hopefully do a lot better."