Lewis Mayo is revelling in the “buzz” at Kilmarnock as the club sets its sights on European football.
The defender believes they are now reaping the rewards of last season’s gruelling efforts to avoid relegation.
In the space of a year, Killie have gone from battling to stay in the top tier of Scottish football to dreaming of playing in Europe.
Mayo said: “It’s funny how quickly things can change in football. I think that’s full credit to the players and the staff here, the work they’ve done over the last year, and I actually think we’re now getting the reward for getting the job done this time last year.”
Kilmarnock narrowly avoided dropping into the play-off spot on the final day of last season with a rousing 3-1 victory over Ross County.
With the two sides set to meet again at Rugby Park today, Mayo reflected on how far the club has come since then. “Same fixture again and we’re top six and we’ve got a chance of chasing down a European spot.”
But the 24-year-old says the pressure is still on: “In a way the pressure’s helped us get to where we are, and I don’t think it’s anything to be scared of.
“I think it’s a privilege at times to have that pressure but it’s definitely nice to have the change of atmosphere. There’s a buzz and we’ve ticked off that big milestone and I think everyone at the club, the fans especially, can be proud of the club and where the team are right now.”
He added: "I think everyone has looked forward to the big fixtures we've had this season. We've had some big results, and if we had a European tie, that feeds into that. Players want to be part of big fixtures and big games and I think for the fans it would generate some buzz as well.”
Mayo, who made a permanent move to Rugby Park from Rangers last summer, cited the togetherness of the squad as key to Kilmarnock’s progress on the pitch.
“I’d say the boys have put a good effort in with each other socially both on the pitch and off the pitch to spend time with each other and I think that’s played out on the pitch this season.
“Even the ones that have come in in January have slotted right in and there’s some good personalities in the squad as well.”
Having made 30 league appearances this season, Mayo says he is relishing the challenge of keeping his spot in the starting XI and developing his own game.
"I quite like playing in the middle of the three at times and mopping up things behind the other players, but then I've had games where I've played right back or right of the three and played 1 v 1 and got a lot of joy doing that."
He added: “I’m enjoying my football, I’m enjoying fighting to keep my space in the team every week.”
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