Derek McInnes reveals Kilmarnock contract talks with talisman and the mod cons keeping players for longer

Derek McInnes reckons Marley Watkins has been a ray of sunshine at Rugby Park amid the soggy spring gloom hanging over it.

And the Kilmarnock manager is hoping the hitman will be the next big name deciding to be part of a bright future in Ayrshire. McInnes already has several of his key players secured for next season and beyond, with Brad Lyons signing a new deal along with David Watson and Rory McKenzie.

Watkins is out of contract in the summer but McInnes said: “We’ve had conversations with Marley. The situation is he’s loving it here and is very popular with his team-mates, myself and the staff. The supporters have really taken to him. He’s been a huge positive for us this season, getting 12 goals already and currently being our top scorer.

“Even aside from his goals, Marley has always had the ability to make the guys next to him better. A lot of players have benefited through their careers – getting moves and having good seasons – from playing alongside Marley Watkins.

“It’s good for me to see him getting his moment in the sun. He’s been the go-to guy the majority of this season. His partnership with Kyle Vassell has been outstanding. We’d like Marley to stay, he’s hoping to stay, but there are still just a few bits and pieces to overcome.”

McInnes faced a frantic recruitment drive last summer after the club were left sweating on their top-flight status until late in the campaign. The situation could not be more different this time around, with a top-half finish in the bag and the potential for even greater rewards to come before the season’s end.

The Rugby Park men face St Johnstone at home in two days’ time, sitting fourth with a five-point lead over St Mirren. McInnes has players lining up to stay and he