'I worked my nut off every day' - hard work key to Lyons' rise to prominence

Brad Lyons admits the “proudest moment” of his career – his Northern Ireland debut – was a distant dream just a few months ago as he struggled to get a game for Kilmarnock.

The midfielder savoured his first international action in Tuesday's 1-0 defeat by Slovenia in Belfast after being an ever-present in the Killie team this season.

Such a scenario appeared highly unlikely when Lyons had only started four matches heading into the final two games of last season, before being drafted in for wins over Dundee United as Killie secured Premiership safety.

“International football is the pinnacle and I am really glad I could make a dream come true and represent my country at Windsor Park,” said the 26-year-old.

"Now I have got that feeling I want it more and more and to become a regular, but that can only happen if I am playing week in, week out here, putting in performances and getting results.

"I have put in good performances here and there but this is the first season I have put it all together.

"A few months ago I would never have thought that, my goal was to get in the Kilmarnock team, but thankfully everything has come together.

"I think it shows for any footballer, if you are not in the picture just now it doesn't mean you never will be. That's down to the individual, you have got to stay fit, you have got to stay ready.

"I have a good support network and I worked my nut off every day in training. I was in the gym, if I had to do extras I was doing it just to stay ready.

"I am so thankful I did it because the two last games of last season, those performances probably got me a new contract.”