Steven Pressley stunned at match-winner Charlie Reilly’s long wait for a start

Dundee boss Steven Pressley admitted he was taken aback when Charlie Reilly told him he had not started a game for the Dark Blues in two-and-a-half seasons.

The 24-year-old was finally given the nod against Kilmarnock at Dens Park and rewarded his boss with an assist and the winning goal.

Killie had taken the lead through Greg Kiltie but Ash Hay equalised for the home side after the break with Reilly curling in their second.

Head coach Pressley was delighted for Reilly.

Pressley said: “I told Charlie a while back his chance would come if he was patient. I didn’t realise he’d been waiting two-and-a-half years to start a game right enough!

“I couldn’t believe that. I asked him coming off the training ground on Monday when his last start was.

“He told me he’d not had a start, this would be his first and he’s been here for three seasons!

“So he’s certainly been really patient but he’s up and running now, he’s got goals in him and he’s a real talent.

“I have real belief in him and there’s a lot more to come from him. I am delighted for Charlie, really delighted.

“I’ve said for some time I really like him as a player and he’s impressed me.

“He did well in pre-season but got injured. He’s come back and I can see real improvement in him.

“He was excellent with the ball and the one thing he has is goals – he’s a really good finisher.

“Thankfully he scored because I was taking him off! There’s a real exciting player for the future there.

Interim Killie boss Kris Doolan was disappointed his side could not build on taking the lead.

He said: “I am gutted for everybody. We scored a great goal and were really clinical.

“That had everybody optimistic at half time and we spoke about driving home that advantage to get the next goal.

“But we didn’t start the second half well enough and lost a goal and 15 minutes later another goal.

“Then you’re chasing the game after that. It is just a sore one especially after leading.

“Everybody is really gutted because three points tonight we would have been tied on points and the league table looks different.

“It is up to everybody in Kilmarnock to get together and make sure we get the club out of the position we are in.”

When asked about the manager job, Doolan said: “I think when there is a decision made, we will all know all about it.

“I will back whatever decision is made.

“The guys behind the scenes will be working really hard but they have to do their due diligence and get the right person.”