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Kilmarnock manager Kenny Shiels is hopeful that midfielder Liam Kelly will sign a new contract at Rugby Park.

The 22-year-old Scotland international's current deal runs until the end of the season.

"I think he's got some time to stay here and it's important that he stays where he's learning," said the Kilmarnock boss.

"I think he's due to sign a good contract, as far as I know. Talks will be started."

Shiels joined Killie from MK Dons in 2009 and has been an important player for the Ayrshire side this season, scoring in the victories over Aberdeen and Celtic.

"We want him to stay in an environment that's good for his improvement and the SPL's certainly providing him with that," added Shiels.

"We're a development club, we're developing players and Liam was let go by MK Dons don't forget. We picked him up and we've developed him to this level now.

"We're doing it with other players and that's us, that's what we are.

"We're a club that's got a big debt and we carry that and it restricts you.

"If we can get consolidated and develop some more players so that we can sell them and prepare to gradually pay off the debt then we become a solvent club and we move forward from there.

"That's my remit and that's our ambitions; to cut the debt down and have some success along the way."