"We would be happy to explore the possibility of a new contract for Steven," said Michael Johnston, the Kilmarnock chairman. "We might be prepared to improve his contract without extending it to keep him happy. Our manager Jim Jefferies is on holiday, as is Steven, so we might have to wait until they get back.

"As I've said before, we are keen to keep him. Steven is improving all the time and he knows he is guaranteed first-team football at Kilmarnock, which he might not get elsewhere. His progress will continue here if he stays and I'm sure he will go on to win many more Scotland caps."