Signs are good for a fresh Marley contract

Del desperate to keep talisman

- MICHAEL GANNON

DEREK MCINNES reckons Marley Watkins has been a ray of sunshine at Rugby Park amid the soggy spring gloom hanging over it.

And the Kilmarnock manager is hoping the hitman will be the next big name deciding to be part of a bright future in Ayrshire.

McInnes already has several of his key players secured for next season and beyond, with Brad Lyons signing a new deal along with David Watson and Rory McKenzie.

Watkins is out of contract in the summer but McInnes said: "We've had conversations with Marley. The situation is he's loving it here and is very popular with his teammates, myself and the staff.

"The supporters have really taken to him. He's been a huge positive for us this season, getting 12 goals already and currently being our top scorer.

"Even aside from his goals, Marley has always had the ability to make the guys next to him better.