Kyle Vassell targets Kilmarnock silverware as new captain goes 'all in' on Derek McInnes ambition

Kyle Vassell insists he’ll cherish every minute of wearing the Kilmarnock armband as he looks to turn a dream of leading the Ayrshiremen to glory into reality.

The 30-year-old had never captained a side in his life before being confirmed as the new dressing room chief by Derek McInnes at the weekend as he made a scoring start to his season in a 2-0 win at Dunfermline. That win moved McInnes’ side clear at the top of their Viaplay Cup group. And Vassell hopes it’s just the start of a run that will lead all the way back to Hampden next year.

The well-travelled Englishman’s second appearance after signing in January was at the national stadium as Killie went down 2-0 to Celtic in the semi final of the same competition. But Vassell reckons McInnes has built a stronger side this time round and one he believes is capable of grabbing silverware under his captaincy. He said: “It’s an honour, it’s a new role in my career and it’s something I’ll cherish. It’s my first time ever being a club captain. It’s progression for me and the gaffer thinks it’ll bring out the best in me, I’m grateful.

“Getting back to Hampden, especially as captain, is 100 per cent the dream. The gaffer wants us to get there, we believe we can get there.

“It’s definitely part of the plan this season. It’s a big part of the reason why I wanted to stay. I always have a burning ambition to win things, it’s a big part of my character and who I am as a person.

“I want to win whether it’s a training game, a match or a trophy, if the club want to push for these things then I’m all in.

“I’ve always tried to lead by example on and off the pitch, always tried to guide the younger players because I know when I was young I always appreciated the senior boys who’d push me