Liam Polworth keen to cement spot in Kilmarnock team ahead of Motherwell clash

Liam Polworth is determined to keep his place amid competition in the Kilmarnock midfield as he prepares to face his former side Motherwell in the William Hill Premiership on Friday night.

The 30-year-old midfielder signed a new two-year contract in June and began the season in the team but found himself on the bench for a period following his return from a calf injury before starting Kilmarnock’s last two matches.

Competition is fierce, with the likes of Blair Lyons, David Watson, Rory McKenzie and Liam Donnelly all vying for starts, but Polworth is hoping to keep hold of the jersey.

After helping the Ayrshire side to a 1-1 draw against Dundee United and a crucial 1-0 win over Hearts, the midfielder is also eyeing up an overdue goal, having failed to find the net since a strike at Fir Park in a 2-2 draw almost two years ago.

He said: “We know how competitive it is, especially in the middle of the park, so there’s a lot of boys trying to get into the same sort of positions but obviously once you get your shot, you hope to keep your place in the team.

“You’re happy as long as you’re playing. As soon as you’re out of the team you’re not going to be happy again but when you’re in the team, you’re happy.

“In the end obviously I was delighted to stay at Kilmarnock. It was more to do with the length of time that I wanted to stay here so in the end when that got sorted it was no big deal. I enjoy my time here, my family like it so it’s all good.

“Motherwell have had a decent season so far and they’re ahead of us in the league. We’re looking at them as one of the teams to try and claw them back but we just need to take it game by game and hopefully we’ll get there.

“I enjoyed the first half of my time at Motherwell. I’ve got nothing bad to say about my time there. I’ve been here for a while so it doesn’t make any difference to me. I think that was the last time I scored, so hopefully I can get another one on Friday.”