Derek McInnes believes model professional Danny Armstrong can follow a similar pathway to success as his old Aberdeen charge Jonny Hayes.
The Kilmarnock boss is thrilled at the impact being made by his blossoming 25-year-old going into today’s clash with Ross County.
Armstrong has bagged six goals already this season with his latest a midweek winner against Dundee United to send Killie back to Hampden for the first time in a decade for January’s Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Celtic. McInnes wants the winger to keep it up and feels there are similarities with Hayes in terms of the attacker’s progress at this stage of his career.
The boss explained: “I spoke to Danny a few weeks back and I mentioned to him that we got Jonny at Aberdeen at the same age. He probably had an eventful first year. I tried to take him to St Johnstone from Inverness, but he went to Aberdeen. Then we went in and he had a disappointing campaign. But I thought at that time Jonny maybe didn’t quite have, and I’m sure he’ll agree, the focus as he could light a game up and then you wouldn’t see him again for 30 minutes. Then he’d go again.
Jonny eventually became so important to us and became an Ireland international. He was able to go and go again and again. He was relentless. Danny has really impressed everyone since pre-season. He was disappointed not to play more of a part last season, but that was more down to the shape. We went with three in the middle of the park and the system went against Danny at times.
I saw Danny as a wide right player, but what he has done this season is find a way to play wherever the system we have deployed. He has shown me he has a lot more strings to his bow and behind it all is a tremendous work ethic. It is great to see him getting recognition because he has always been brilliant around the place. He couldn’t have celebrated anymore when we scored a goal last season even if he was disappointed at not always playing. He is a great reference for anybody who finds themselves out of the side that by sheer hard work and belief you can become a key player.
"He has done exactly that with six goals and a few assists in 12 starts. Those are great numbers and what we are looking for. If he can continue that, he will have a hell of a season. From day one at pre-season he has looked like someone who wants to play their career in the Premiership. He is at a good age and he has his best years ahead of him. I know managers say this all the time, but he is the best boy you could work with.
He is so bubbly but he is more than just a good team-mate for us now. He is a good player for us as well. Armstrong is amongst a host of players who will be out of contract at the end of the season and McInnes continued: “I’ve only got two under contract. Rory McKenzie and Kerr McInroy. I have said many times there are opportunities for players to go and show they can perform this season and be key players.
"We will address that as we go along in the season and feel confident we have plenty of good players who can fulfil the demand.”
Armstrong is set for a key role again today as Killie aim to win a key clash. McInnes said: “There’s a case to be made that this is the most important game for us this season. Only Celtic have beaten us here and results like the other night give us confidence. But, we are going to be without key players so it will need a big effort to finish off what has been a good week so far.”
