Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann is taking a measured approach to unlocking the potential of on-loan midfielder Bailey Rice. The 19-year-old has started the club's last two Premiership matches as he works to regain full match sharpness after a lengthy spell out injured.

McCann, who previously worked with Rice during his time on the coaching staff at Rangers, is adamant that patience is key. "Again, I’m never going to be too impatient with Bailey," McCann said. "He needs to be patient with himself because he’s been out for the best part of the year and he’s still trying to find his game practice and his game mode."

Rice has made six appearances for Killie since his summer loan move from Ibrox, starting the recent 1-0 win at Hibernian and the 1-1 home draw with Hearts. McCann's belief in a gradual integration is clear, with the manager adding simply, "Bailey’s got to just keep on going."

Building on a solid base

The manager's strategy mirrors his successful handling of another Rangers loanee last season, Findlay Curtis. Curtis developed into a key player at Rugby Park, earning a place in Scotland's World Cup squad after a sensational second half of the campaign. McCann hopes to guide Rice on a similar path of growth, personally mentoring the young player to help him succeed both at Kilmarnock and in his long-term career.

This careful management comes as Kilmarnock seek stability in the Premiership. The team currently sits 12th in the table with five points from seven matches. Their recent form shows resilience, with three draws and a win in their last five outings, a sequence you can review on our standings page. The late equaliser conceded against Hearts in their last match means they have scored six goals but conceded fifteen this season.

Attention now turns to a demanding trip to Ibrox to face second-placed Rangers this weekend. It is a fixture that will test McCann's squad and could offer another opportunity for Rice against his parent club. The full schedule leading up to the winter break is available on our fixtures list. McCann's immediate focus remains on nurturing his squad's talent, with Rice's development a specific project he is determined to see through.

More detail at killiechronicle.substack.com