Approaching the 400 appearances landmark for Kilmarnock, Rory McKenzie could be forgiven for appreciating a rest every now and then.

Except the midfielder wants the exact opposite. Now 30 years old, the modern-day Killie hero is desperate to play more games and contribute to what has been a fantastic season for the Ayrshire club so far.

McKenzie’s game time has been significantly limited this term. Derek McInnes’ side sits fourth as the Premiership enjoys its winter break, with midfielders Brad Lyons, David Watson, Liam Polworth and Kyle Magennis all performing well for the most part.

This has meant McKenzie has been mainly used as a substitute, with 17 appearances to his name and one goal.

He started Killie’s final match prior to the winter break in a 3-1 defeat at Ibrox. And it’s those kinds of experiences that he will never take for granted because, by his own admission, it could well be his last.

“It was nice to finish on a slight high,” McKenzie said. “I know we lost the game at Ibrox, but it was nice to go into a break and feel that you’ve contributed having come on against Dundee and then started the game at Rangers.

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“Personally, it’s been a tough start to the season just with not playing. It’s part and parcel of the game, though. It’s not easy, but you’ve got to keep going and it’s easier when you’ve got a squad full of good lads.

“When you’re in that moment you think you’re the only person who’s ever gone through it, but everyone has been through that period in their career. You’ve got to keep going and whether it’s through injury or suspension, you will get a chance.

“I’m sitting here like I’ve never not played. I’m not good enough to say that. I’ve gone through spells where I’ve not played, of course. It’s never easy.

“But this is probably the longest spell since I’ve been here. It’s just something I’ve had to adapt to.

“The more you don’t play though the older you feel. We had Burkey’s son [Cole] training with us the other day, he’s 15. I think that means he was born in 2008. When you see things like that happening it’s quite surreal.  

“In any other line of work or walk of life, turning 30, great, you’re getting older, but in football, there is a stigma attached to turning 30.

“The last two games I’ve really enjoyed. Getting older, playing at Ibrox, the way it’s going, I might never get the chance to play there again. So I just went out there to enjoy it. The older you get the more broadly you look at things.

“When you’re not playing, you start to look at it and think ‘Oh god, I’m turning 30 and I’m not playing, what’s happening?’. Fitness has always been a big thing for me. I’m as fit as I’ve ever been.

“There’s enough games left where I can view it where I can enjoy it a lot more. It’s not going to last forever. Whatever I’m doing in six or seven years, so I’ll try and enjoy every day as much as I can.”

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McKenzie is out of contract in the summer. With time ticking down on his deal, it’s not exactly a situation he’s not used to, having seen this film before in previous years.

With a law degree, it’s been no secret that he’s been preparing for life after football for some time. However, the player knows that no matter what line of work he embarks on when he hangs up his boots, it will not compare to the joy of being a footballer.

His ambition is to finish his career at the club he loves – the club he’s known his whole life. He knows that is likely not his decision, though.

He said: “It’s whether the club wants me or not really. I don’t know anything else other than Killie.

“I would love to finish my career here, but it’s whether I’m wanted here.

“I’m very aware of life after football. Anyone I talk to that’s in a certain industry I think ‘Ahh I could do that,’ so it is something I think about quite a lot. Football, it’s difficult at times, but it’s the best job.

“No matter what I do after football it’s not going to be as much fun as this. I want to keep playing for as long as I can, whether that’s here or… I hope it’s here.”

Addressing a potential testimonial, which he is eligible for, he added: “There definitely is a desire to have one. When I was younger, I wasn’t really focussing on it. I’ve been at this club for so long that the ten years did come around quite early.

“Back then it wasn’t really something I was thinking about, but as you get on it’s definitely something I would like to do.

“When that is, I’m not quite sure, there’s still no talk of it. We’ll see.”