Dan Armstrong always believed in his own ability – even when he was looking on from the Rugby Park bench in the Championship.
The fiery winger started just three times in the league during Kilmarnock's title-winning season last year – but he never lost faith.
This season he’s made 44 appearances in all competitions – the majority of those being from the start.
Not many fans would have predicted Armstrong’s impact this season, he’s been a breath of fresh air and has felt like a new signing at times.
And his incredible form has paid off as he was rewarded with the club’s Player of the Year award on Sunday night.
Speaking exclusively to the Kilmarnock Standard he said: “I am over the moon, on a personal note it is a great feeling.
“From last season to now winning Player of the Year it is great, I’ve obviously been doing something right.
“It has been great for me, it’s my highest goals tally and I’ve had a few assists too, if I am doing well and it’s contributing to the team then that’s major for me.
“Last season I didn’t play as much as I wanted, I’ve always believed in myself and what I can do.
“I knew if I kept doing what I could do I would get a chance, so it was all about taking that chance.
“I never let it get me down, I just kept working hard and eventually it paid off, so to get this award it’s a great feeling.”
He added: “I’ve always believed I have it in me to play in the top flight.
“There’s some great opposition but I take confidence from that and thrive playing against the best players I can.
“It’s great playing on this stage and show what I can do.”
Armstrong penned a new two-year deal this season, and he says his love for the club made it an easy decision.
He said: “Signing the new deal was a no-brainer, I want to push on and do even better that’s why I signed on.
“I like it here, I love this club and I love working with the staff and players, so here’s hoping it’s an enjoyable couple of years.”
Winger Chris Burke retired at the beginning of this season, but he returned to Rugby Park in a coaching capacity.
Armstrong has hailed the veteran and pinned a lot of his success on to Burke.
He said: “He is a great person, he is a great footballer and he helps me massively on and off the pitch.
“It’s an honour to be working with him, I have always said I try and learn off the best, and the career he’s had has been incredible, he could still play now if he wanted to.
“I couldnt’t speak highly enough of him, he’s amazing for me and this team.”
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