Lyons: Teammates Helped Dream Come True

Brad Lyons has returned to Rugby Park with a spring in his step after achieving a lifelong dream of representing his country, but the midfielder admits that his teammates haven’t had to work hard to keep his feet on the ground.

Reflecting on the experience midweek, Lyons stated: “We had the first game against San Marino on Saturday and I was a wee bit frustrated that I didn’t feature.

“We trained on Monday and we were doing a wee bit of shape. I found myself in the starting XI. We had a meeting on Tuesday morning and there I was, my face up on the board. I don’t think you could’ve wiped the smile off my face. It was a class moment and one that I’ll never forget.

“Making your debut, whether it’s coming on or starting is a great feeling, but to get it as a whole start and walking out in front of that crowd at the national stadium, at Windsor Park, singing the national anthem in front of them, it was a really proud moment. It’s one I can’t really describe. I’m still trying to let it settle in.

“Although, I’m not looking back now as I want to concentrate on Saturday. I’ve had a proud moment yes, but all my focus is on Livingston.”

Now a full international and regular in the Killie midfield, Brad has insisted that he will approach this weekend’s match with the same mentality that has served him so well during his time in Ayrshire.

“No, I don’t think there’s any extra responsibility on me. I came in this morning and the lads certainly brought me back to earth don’t worry about that. Mocking my accent from interviews and other things.

“But there’s no extra stress or pressure because I know the squad of players that we’ve got. We have quality from the goalkeeper right to the frontline.  Say I don’t perform as well as I can, I know players around me will pick up their performances, and vice-versa when other people aren’t performing, I’ll try even harder to help them. I know how good the group of lads in there are.”

Scrolling through social media on Tuesday evening, the level of support from Brad’s teammates was practically unmissable. The spirit within the team was a big factor for committing his future to the club.  

“My teammates all sent me messages before and after the game, and a lot of them watched the game too. I’ve said before I wouldn’t have got anywhere without them, they boys all have their part to play, they’ve helped me so much.

“Last season they kept me level-headed and kept me going, the way they’ve performed this season alongside me makes me want to thank them.

“100 per cent my decision to stay is justified now. But that was the gaffer too, he wanted me to stay and gave me the confidence I needed. Last season was frustrating, but you see what happens when you work hard. I played well in the last two games of the season and now I’ve had a good run.

“I love the club, I’ve always said that. I love the community, the fans and the players around me. I’ve enjoyed football my whole life but since I joined Kilmarnock I’ve enjoyed it even more. I have a lot of friends here, I’d even say they’re friends outside of football. We are so close now which helps on the pitch.”

Brad was speaking ahead of the club’s cinch Premiership clash against Livingston on Saturday 21 October. Ticket information for the match can be found – HERE.