Zach Hemming loves the cinch – so much so that he has rejoined Kilmarnock on loan.
The Middlesbrough keeper will spend the whole of next season at Rugby Park after playing a key role in the club winning the cinch Championship last term.
Hemming, who was Killie's young player of the year, returns for a crack at Premiership football having already established himself as a firm favourite with the punters.
The 22-year-old has linked up with the squad for pre-season training and could be set for a run-out against Falkirk in Friday night's friendly opener.
“It feels like not so long ago that I was here," he told Kilmarnock's website today. "I had a good summer and I’m sure all the boys did too and it feels great to be back with them.
"It’ll be good to get playing in the top league and see what it’s all about and hopefully I can do as well as I did last season.
“I think my family settling in so quickly here and the real connection I made with everyone was one of the reasons that drew me back here. It feels good to be back."
Killie gaffer Derek McInnes was delighted to recruit his No 1 and said: “He made a big impression on everyone yesterday and made a big impact on helping us win the title.
“The abilities he showed was the attraction to bring him back, but the added attraction was how popular he was within the group. We feel with him, Sam [Walker] and young Curtis [Lyle], we have three goalkeepers there who are at a level to bring that competition we want for every area of the pitch.
“He is someone we kept in touch with over the summer and we are glad Middlesbrough see Kilmarnock as the next best place for him again."
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