Former Lincoln City defender MJ Kamson-Kamara has been backed to make an impact at Kilmarnock by a familiar face, with Erik Ring pleased to be reunited with his old Imps teammate.
The 20-year-old joined the Scottish Premiership side on loan from Hearts on deadline day, agreeing a stay at Rugby Park until January. His arrival followed an ankle injury to defender Robbie Deas, although he is still waiting for his first appearance after being named on the bench for the last two matches.
Ring, who made his own move from Sincil Bank to Kilmarnock in July, believes the youngster has plenty to offer. Speaking to the Killie Chronicle, the Swedish winger spoke warmly about their reunion.
“He’s a funny guy, a good player, and a good personality,” Erik said. “It’s been great; he’s not shy! He’s settling in well.
“I played alongside him my first year and then my second year he was out on loan, but we still saw him every now and then when he came to visit. He’s a good guy.”
Kamson-Kamara spent last season gaining senior experience with Glentoran, making 31 appearances and scoring five goals before joining Hearts on a four-year deal this summer.
He subsequently made his Hearts debut against Benfica in August, but the temporary move to Kilmarnock offers another opportunity to pursue first-team football. Having Ring already at the club should certainly help with the transition, and the defender wasted little time contacting his former City colleague.
“He called me just when it got done and told me he was coming, so I was really happy.
“It’s a good opportunity for him as well. He’s a really good player, strong defensively, and is suited to playing in our style.”
Both players made their senior debuts for the Imps in the EFL Trophy, with Kamson-Kamara appearing from the bench against Grimsby Town and Ring starting against Chesterfield. The defender signed his first professional contract with City in February 2023, gaining experience on loan at Barwell, Peterborough Sports and Glentoran before his summer move to Hearts brought in a six-figure compensation fee.
Ring arrived from AIK in August 2024 on a four-year deal and scored his first goal in English football with a late winner against Northampton Town that October. He departed for Kilmarnock in July for an undisclosed fee, signing a two-year contract.
For those of us who followed their development with the Imps, it will be interesting to see how they handle this next opportunity. The early endorsements are encouraging, but the next step is getting onto the pitch, with Kilmarnock travelling to Hibernian on Tuesday evening.
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