The Kilmarnock team’s manager, Derek McInnes, contends that Bobby Wales’ eleventh-hour goal against Tromso is just the start of a promising journey in his blue and white uniform.
In the first leg of their Europa Conference League third qualifying round match held at Rugby Park, the 19-year-old salvaged a 2-2 draw, effectively setting the stage for an equal start when the teams clash next week in Norway.
In a remarkable manoeuvre just six minutes into the game, Kyle Vassell capitalised on Liam Donnelly’s header which bounced off the woodwork, placing Killie in an advantageous position right from the outset.
However, the home team failed to build on the initial momentum, allowing the Norweigians to exploit defensive inadequacies, further amplified by Robby McCrorie’s lacklustre clearance. This oversight culminated in Jakub Romsaas’ 50-minute goal followed by Lasse Nordas securing a lead for Tromso, courtesy a well-executed counter attack planned by team captain Ruben Yttegard Jenssen.
Joe Wright’s seeming run-in with Tromso’s goalkeeper Jakob Haugaard almost earned Killie a penalty, however, a VAR inspection quelled their hopes. It took Bobby Wales, emerging as a dark horse, to equalise the score, deftly manoeuvering the ball amid a mass of players to conclude the first half of the match in a draw.
McInnes expressed his confidence in Wales’ abilities, saying: "His goal demonstrated an instinctive precision. He established the perfect connection without any signs of nervousness or over-excitement. In my opinion, our team rightfully desrved that goal."
He further added: "Bobby was on my radar for this game, since we weren’t exactly planning to play a traditional centre forward alongside Vass. This young lad is definitely going places. Accruing many goals for Kilmarnock is well within his grasp. His performance last season at Alloa and his demonstrable skills during the pre-season have really caught our attention. Furthermore, his participation at the Celtic Park game last Sunday has only solidified this belief."
McInnes remarked: "I’m taken by Bobby’s quiet confidence. The more impact and goals he delivers, the brighter his future with the team looks."
Reflecting on the match, McInnes maintains that his team has the steel and skillset to achieve victory during their upcoming game at Romsaa Arena next Thursday. However, he urged the team to address and rectify the early season defensive blunders.
He added: "We need to remember that no game is won until the final whistle. Despite the palpable determination within the team, we need to ensure that such defensive mishaps are avoided. If these pitfalls persist, we stand no chance. However, if we manage this issue, then I am confident in our team’s ability to secure victory. I was greatly impressed with our players' spirit during the final moments of the game; refusing to accept defeat, they personified the resilience that secured our place in Europe.”"
