Robbie Deas confident of regaining imperious Killie form

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I am off on annual leave this week, however, to quote the Wolf of Wall Street, 'The show goes on'. I chatted with Killie defender Robbie Deas after last Thursday's open training session. He spoke well and is determined to return to top form soon.

Here is the full Q&A from the exclusive interview. Enjoy!

How was the open training?

It’s the first time I’ve ever done that actually. It was quite good. It was nice to see so many kids here, especially in October when the weather is rubbish. It’s good for the fans to see the hard work that we put in and for us to give back. I remember when I was a wee guy and going along to watch your heroes at your team, it’s a nice feeling to be on the other side of that. There were a few of the boys who were training a wee bit harder than usual, but I’m not going to name any names!

It's been a while since the last win. Three games out next five at home, got to be looking to pick up some points?

I think we’ve been quite unlucky in a lot of the games. We know that as a team and we’ve spoken about it as a team. But we need to get the place back to how it was at the beginning of the season. We’ve been playing well in many of the games, but we’re missing out on those fine margins. We had some bad luck too. That said, we know we have to do better and we’ve got a great opportunity over the next five games before the next international break. We’ve got three at home, so it’s an exciting time. Hopefully, we go and put a run together to start looking up the league, because as a team that’s our plan, to aim upwards. This league is tight. There are some results that surprise you at weekends. Livingston have started well. They’re three points ahead of us, but our aim is to get level with them by winning.

Played in the middle of a back three during the first few games, but has since changed. How’s that been?

Corrie [Ndaba] picked up an injury and we were forced into a reshuffle. I’ll play wherever the gaffer tells me to play. It’s just one of these things. If the gaffer asks me to play in a position then I feel I’m more than capable of playing in more than one area, I’m quite lucky in that regard. The most important thing is to get back to what we were like in those two home games against Rangers and Celtic. We know that we’re all capable, we’ve got more than enough competition in the team to keep pushing each other on.

Played left-back vs Hearts in the cup. I know you say you will play anywhere but is it your preference to play as a centre-half?

By trade, I am a centre-half, but in my second season at Inverness I played as a left-back, so I’m comfortable out there. I’m more than able to do a job. With Corrie being injured it was an opportunity for me. We’re that lucky we’ve got that many good defenders who can go and play in these different positions.

Dropped out of the team last month in your first setback since joining Killie. How was that to deal with?

I think that’s just part of football. I’ve been fortunate enough in my career that I started near enough every game of my three years in Inverness. I totally respected the gaffer’s decision to put me on the bench, I’ve got no arguments about it. You need to live and learn. But I’m lucky enough that I’m training with the boys every day and I’m confident I can get back to how I was at the start of the season.

Happy for Brad getting his international debut?

Through gritted teeth, I had to switch over from watching the Scotland game to watching the Northern Ireland game to see him play. I’m absolutely delighted for him, though. Brad has been through a lot, even in the last six months and how quickly things change in football. He’s been outstanding since I came in. He took me a bit by surprise at how he goes about his business. It’s great and he works so hard. I know how much it means to him and his family. He fully deserves it.

A different country and competition for places of course, although you must have international aspirations of your own?

My dream is to play for my country. Any footballer should want to represent their country. I’ve said before, Kilmarnock has brought players through who have gone on to play for Scotland. Stuart Findlay and Greg Taylor more recently. Watching Brad pull on that strip and go do his stuff definitely spurs me on to do well and achieve my dreams.