New deals for Killie trio

Alan Mahood has agreed a new deal with Kilmarnock

Alan Mahood has been rewarded for his crucial goal that took Kilmarnock into the Uefa Cup with a new contract that will keep him at Rugby Park for another three years.

With 12 minutes remaining, the midfielder struck the only goal of the game against Celtic on Sunday to secure fourth spot in the Premier League for Bobby Williamson's men.

The 28-year-old former Nottingham Forest player signed from Morton in 1998 and has been an integral part of Killie's recent success.

Goalkeepers Colin Meldrum and Colin Stewart have also agreed new terms with the Ayrshire outfit, but veteran Gus MacPherson is still waiting to see if he will face Sheffield Wednesday in his testimonial as a Kilmarnock player.

Lifelong Killie fan Mahood said: "I was really pleased to sign three years ago, although it took me till this season to make the breakthrough.

Ensure consistency

"I'm delighted to have played my part in ensuring European games for our supporters and I'm looking forward to helping Killie keep the momentum going."

We all know that we are safe in his hands

  Bobby Williamson

Kilmarnock chief executive Ian Welsh told the club's website: "Alan's signing means that a hard-core of the Killie players who have performed so well this season are on longer-term deals.

"We hope that this will ensure consistency and stability in the playing squad."

. Manager Bobby Williamson said: "Alan has taken the opportunity this season to make himself a fixture.

Additional dimension

"He started the season playing really well with Ian Durrant and took on additional responsibility when Ian was injured.

Colin Meldrum is pushing Gordon Marshall

"Now that the two Spanish players have arrived, we have an additional dimension in midfield.

"A hard worker and trainer, he is a loyal and talented lad and will be an important part of the future for Killie."

Former Under-21 international Meldrum, 25, has pledged himself to the club until 2004 and will continue to put pressure on veteran Gordon Marshall for the No.1 jersey.

Kilmarnock are delighted that Meldrum rejected overtures from other clubs to stay at Rugby Park.

Present Under-21 cap Stewart, 21, has put pen to paper on a new two-year contract.

He is the son of former Scotland international and Kilmarnock man Jim Stewart.

Date confirmed

Williamson said: "Killie are well-known for producing their own goalkeepers and Colin Meldrum and Colin Stewart are the next two in a long line that goes back decades.

Colin Stewart is staying for two more years

"We all know that we are safe in his hands."

Meanwhile, Motherwell are keeping an eye on veteran defender MacPherson's contract situation.

The date for his testimonial against Sheffield Wednesday has been confirmed as 20 July.

Kilmarnock will learn on 22 June who their Uefa Cup qualifying round opponents will be.

The two-legged tussle will take place on 9 and 23 August.