THE LIKELY BRAND

Del hails return of influential Lyons and says his club aren't the only ones who can benefit

- CRAIG SWAN

DEREK MCINNES reckons respected Brad Lyons can chase more recognition beyond Rugby Park having completed the long road back to run out at it.

The midfielder is back in the Kilmarnock set-up for Saturday's clash at home to Ross County after an agonising three months stuck on the sidelines.

Lyons has not featured for McInnes since sustaining a knee injury against Dundee on the penultimate day of 2023, which forced him to get surgery.

It was a devastating setback for a 26-year-old savouring a superb campaign, which saw him secure a senior debut for Northern Ireland in Euro 2024 qualifying.

But Lyons has been back training and is now due for a comeback to the teamsheet as Killie look to build on their two-point cushion in fourth.

McInnes is delighted and reckons, as well as boosting Killie, his key man can push for more international honours under Michael O'Neill too.

He said: "Brad's a great option for us to have and a great boy to have around.

"He's trained well this week, he's been very supportive of the team whenever he's been out and just been a really good team-mate.