McKenzie: I need to end with a goal
KILMARNOCK forward Rory McKenzie is desperate to end a dismal season on a high by breaking his Premiership scoring duck.
Killie take on Ross County in their last league game, with both sides having secured their top-flight status for next term.
McKenzie has netted once – in a League Cup fixture against Ayr United back in August – and wants to bang one into the back of the net at Rugby Park and then forget that the last nine months ever happened.
The 21-year-old wide man said: “Beating Partick Thistle last week was a massive relief. For the first six months of the season we did pretty well and were looking for a top-six finish and then we just nosedived and it didn’t look good for us.
“It’s been a really disappointing season for me personally. I thought I did all right at the start but even then I still wasn’t scoring.
“Then I was out for three months with a knee injury, which was really frustrating for me.
“It was difficult coming back into the team when we were on a bad run and everyone’s confidence was low.
“I just want to get this season over with, put it behind me and never have to think about it again. I want to focus on getting ready for next season now.
“My ideal position would be central striker and, instead, I’ve been playing out wide but that’s no excuse because Tope Obadeyi has scored 10 goals from the exact same position.
“That’s something I’ve really got to work on but I’m just happy to be back playing football for Kilmarnock again.
“Fortunately, I have another year left on my contract. I’d be worried if it was about to run out after the season I’ve had.
“Now I just have to work really hard pre-season and kick on from there.”
McKenzie stresses there is still plenty to play for in today’s final Premiership fixture, with ninth place - and an extra cash bonus - up for grabs.
He added: “It’s a strange game now because neither us nor Ross County are in danger but I’d much rather it was like that than go through all that pressure again.
“But it’s a good chance to fling a few of the younger boys in and try them out. It’s also another chance for me to score.
“Plus we want to finish above County in the table because it means bonuses for us and placement money for the club. There’s quite a difference between finishing ninth and 10th for everyone involved.”