Struggling McCann eyes quarter-final 'catalyst'

Kilmarnock, along with Falkirk, are one of two clubs to have a worse Premiership record than Aberdeen this season. The goalless stalemate McCann's men played out at Pittodrie last time out told the tale of two teams low on confidence, but the Ayrshire side were at least able to prevent their goals-conceded tally of 14 in five league games rising. The way in which Kilmarnock ended last term under McCann had many predicting they would be fighting it out in the top half this campaign - their form from the former Scotland winger's arrival until the end of last season suggested as much. Given the embryonic stage of 2026-27 we are at, that might yet still happen, although the early signs are not convincing. Like most Premiership teams, upheaval within the playing squad was the theme of the summer window at Rugby Park, which has also swapped its artificial pitch for a grass surface. McCann's side looked bright, dangerous and inventive on the ball last term, but they have so far failed to score in half of their 10 games this season, and they have been leaky at the back. Three of the nine goals they have scored across all competitions came in their last-16 victory against rivals Ayr United in the previous round. The Kilmarnock boss was all about positive vibes in his post-match interview following that 3-2 win, and he is also optimistic about Saturday's "hell for leather" tie. Reaching just a second semi-final since they won this competition back in 2012 would give "everyone a lift", said McCann, and he believes it can act as a "catalyst to try and kick on". Read more: Cup weekend that could define three managerial tenures