Watkins signs two-year deal to stay at Killie

Marley Watkins has given Kilmarnock a "huge lift" by committing his future to the club with a new two-year deal.

The 33-year-old forward - Killie's top scorer with 13 goals last term - was out of contract after an impressive first year at Rugby Park in which he made 43 appearances and was pivotal in the club's fourth-place finish.

Manager Derek McInnes said: "Everyone connected with the club is delighted to have the opportunity to work with Marley longer.

"I think in his season with us last year he showed show much of his best qualities.

"Being able to bring him back to the squad is a huge lift for us, hopefully he can be as important for us this season, I have no doubts that’ll be the case."

Meanwhile, Killie began their pre-season friendlies with a 2-0 defeat to Paraguayan top-flight side Cerro Porteno in Spain.

McInnes, whose squad have spent the week at a Spanish training camp, added: "It's probably a bit early in the build-up for us to be playing a team of that level, but it was a really good test for us.

"There's so many positives to take from the week and the game."