Nov 27 2009: Young Killie striker Daniel McKay has been named the first Clydesdale Bank Under 19 League Rising Star of the season.

Following each under-19 league fixture, coaches nominate a man of the match from their own team as well as their opponents. The Under 19 player who receives the most votes wins the rising star award.

Born in Paisley, Daniel joined Killie as a youth player from Barrhead Boys’ Club before signing professionally with Rugby Park in July 2007.

Since then, the 18-year-old has continued to develop into a formidable striker scoring seven goals in the club’s first eight Clydesdale Bank Under 19 League matches – the second highest individual tally in the league.

Alan Roberston, Killie’s U19 coach, said: “Daniel has been a constant threat for us and continues to play an important role in the team.

“Of course there are one or two areas of his game he still needs to work on, but his goal-scoring record this year has been very impressive, and long may it continue.”

On receiving his award Daniel, who wears the Killie squad’s number 31, said: “This is the first time I’ve won anything at under-19 level. I’m really pleased; it’s a good achievement.

“I’ve been at Killie a long time now and the coaches here have helped me develop and improve, as have the players around me.

“My goal is the same as anyone at my level, to get into the first team, so I need to keep working hard so I can impress those higher up and get into the squad, then show I can score goals at that level too.”