Kilmarnock will be in safe hands for the upcoming season – as Zach Hemming has returned.
The 22-year-old goalkeeper has penned a second loan deal at Rugby Park as he links up from Middlesbrough again.
He was a vital part of Killie’s title-winning season and he scooped the club’s Young Player of the Year award.
Upon his return to Ayrshire, Hemming told the club's website: “It feels like not so long ago that I was here, I had a good summer and I’m sure all the boys did too and it feels great to be back with them. It’ll be good to get playing in the top league and see what it’s all about, and hopefully I can do as well as I did last season.
“I think my family settling in so quickly here and the real connection I made with everyone was one of the reasons that drew me back here, it feels good to be back.”
Boss Derek McInnes said: “I am delighted to get Zach back he made a big impression on everyone, and made a big impact on helping us win the title.
“The abilities he showed was the attraction to bring him back, but the added attraction was how popular he was within the group.
“We feel with him, Sam and young Curtis we have three goalkeepers there who are at a level to bring that competition we want for every area of the pitch.
“He is someone we kept in touch with over the summer and we are glad Middlesbrough see Kilmarnock as the next best place for him again.”
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