Neil McCann erupts at BBC interviewer after a ‘negative’ Kilmarnock question sparks an on-air exchange.

Neil McCann was visibly frustrated during his post-match interview after Kilmarnock’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Ayr United, with the manager challenging former BBC colleague Jonathan Sutherland after what he considered a negative line of questioning.

Kilmarnock secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Premier Sports Cup after producing a spirited comeback against their local rivals at Rugby Park. Ayr United twice took the lead, but McCann’s side refused to surrender and eventually completed an entertaining victory with two late goals.

Michael Schjønning-Larsen and Nicky Clescenco were the men who turned the match around, scoring in the closing stages to send Kilmarnock through and break Ayr hearts.

The result was particularly important for McCann because Kilmarnock had endured a difficult beginning to their Premiership campaign. The Rugby Park club had suffered defeats in their opening two league matches and conceded nine goals in the process.

With that difficult start still fresh in the minds of supporters, McCann was clearly delighted to see his players show resilience and character when their cup hopes appeared to be in danger.

Neil McCann speaks to the media after Kilmarnock defeat Ayr

However, the interview quickly became tense when Sutherland appeared to focus on the goals Kilmarnock had conceded rather than the character they had demonstrated in completing the comeback.

McCann was quick to make his position clear.

“Jonathan, I am going to tell you right now – this is a cup game tonight,” McCann insisted, making it clear that he did not want the discussion dominated by criticism of his team’s defensive performance.

The Kilmarnock boss explained that his priority was the determination his players showed throughout the match.

He admitted that conceding twice was disappointing, particularly because Ayr were able to exploit spaces on the counter-attack. However, he argued that those openings were partly created because Kilmarnock were committed to attacking and attempting to control proceedings.

McCann pointed towards the positive aspects of the performance, highlighting his players’ quality, character and ability to respond whenever Ayr put them under pressure.

He also felt the three goals Kilmarnock scored demonstrated the attacking quality available to his team.

McCann delighted with dramatic cup comeback

Speaking more broadly about the victory, McCann described himself as “absolutely delighted” and emphasised that progressing in cup football is ultimately what matters.

Having experienced success in cup competitions during his playing career, the Kilmarnock boss knows that results often matter more than performances at this stage of a tournament.

He explained that supporters rarely remember how a team reaches a cup final or progresses through a round. What matters is surviving each challenge and continuing into the next stage.

Kilmarnock’s Nicky Clescenco (L) celebrates scoring to make it 3-2 vs Ayr(Image: SNS Group)

McCann accepted that Kilmarnock could have performed better, but he rejected any suggestion that Ayr did not deserve to be beaten.

The manager believed his team controlled much of the contest, repeatedly applying pressure and forcing Ayr to defend.

The most pleasing aspect for him was the determination shown after falling behind twice.

Kilmarnock could easily have become frustrated, particularly after conceding early goals, but instead continued to attack and search for another opening.

McCann revealed that he never became comfortable with the prospect of extra time because he believed another opportunity would arrive.

Rather than settling for another 30 minutes, his coaching staff continued making changes, moving players into dangerous areas and asking questions of Ayr’s defence.

Eventually, their persistence was rewarded.

Clescenco produces moment of quality

The decisive moment arrived through Nicky Clescenco, who had been introduced from the bench after Jamie Brandon was forced off towards the end of the first half.

The Moldovan international took advantage of a mistake from Ayr goalkeeper Harry Stone, who spilled the ball at a crucial moment.

Instead of panicking and attempting to smash the ball into the net, Clescenco showed composure to lift his finish over the goalkeeper and secure the winning goal.

McCann was particularly impressed with the forward’s calmness.

He felt many players would have rushed the opportunity, potentially giving Stone or another defender the chance to block the attempt.

Instead, Clescenco assessed the situation and produced a delicate finish that McCann described as a touch of class.

The manager added that he had sensed the winning goal was coming.

For McCann, it was not enough for the coaching staff simply to watch and hope that something would happen. They continued to influence the game by making substitutions, moving players around and increasing the pressure on Ayr.

Eventually, Kilmarnock found the response they had been looking for.

Ayr twice punished Kilmarnock

The visitors had made an excellent start to the derby and went ahead after only five minutes when Owen Stirton found the net.

Kilmarnock responded through Joe Hugill, who brought his side level, but Ayr regained their advantage when Ross Taylor struck.

McCann admitted that falling behind so early was frustrating and acknowledged that conceding again shortly after the beginning of the second half had affected the atmosphere inside Rugby Park.

He felt the situation placed additional pressure on the Kilmarnock supporters to remain patient while the players attempted to turn the game around.

Thankfully for McCann, he believed the majority of the home crowd stayed behind the team.

Their patience ultimately paid off as Kilmarnock produced the late comeback and secured a memorable 3-2 victory.

For McCann, the dramatic nature of the result made it even more satisfying, particularly given the rivalry between the two clubs.

The manager accepted that Kilmarnock have areas they must improve, especially defensively, but he was far more interested in the resilience shown by his players.

After two difficult league defeats, the cup victory could provide the confidence and momentum required to move forward.

McCann’s message was therefore clear: while there were mistakes to analyse, Kilmarnock demonstrated the fighting spirit he wanted to see, and their reward was a place in the next round of the competition.