Rory McKenzie admits he’s cherishing being a Kilmarnock player more now than he ever has as he prepares for his testimonial tonight. The 31-year-old has racked up 14 years of first team action at Rugby Park, tallying over 400 appearances and turning out for nearly a dozen managers. He admits he’s lived the dream - and is in no rush to see that ending any time soon. The Troon lad confesses he doesn’t like being the centre of attention, but he’ll proudly walk out at Rugby Park against Ayr United tonight alongside wife Natalie and kids Zara and Harry. And he’ll savour every second of deserved adulation that will come his way from the stands. Reflecting on his journey in the game, McKenzie says: “Kenny Shiels gave me my first-team debut against Caley Thistle. Mixu Paatelainen put me in a first-team squad a few weeks before but then he got the Finland job. “I went to Brechin in the January, while still playing for the under-19s. Those games mattered but going to Brechin and playing proper football was amazing. “I’ve not played as much as I would have wanted in the last few years but Kilmarnock is all I’ve ever known. It’s given me so much. “I’ve now got kids, I stay five minutes away and everything is perfect. I’m cherishing being a football player at Kilmarnock more than I ever have. “I played golf, rugby and football so there wasn’t time to come and watch Kilmarnock as a kid but as I came through the academy, I would go to games. “I joined the academy at 12. I’d played for my boys’ club team and Kilmarnock approached. I enjoyed playing at Troon but, when things started getting a bit more serious, I joined Kilmarnock.” It could have turned out differently had he not regained his place in the team several years ago when he appeared to be heading for the exit. Discussions were had with Tommy Wright - then boss at St Johnstone who would later work with McKenzie at Killie. He’s not sure how close he came to leaving, and admits he wasn’t really keen anyway. But an injury allowed him a way back into the team and the rest is history. He says: “There was a point under Steve Clarke when I wasn’t playing and I met with Tommy Wright. We had a chat but I went on a run of two or three games. I spoke to Steve at the end of the window and he said ‘Look, you’re not going anywhere’ and he offered me a new contract to stay. “That was as close as I’ve ever come to leaving and how close it was I’m not sure. There has been no time when I’ve thought I would move away from Killie. “I was 25 at the time, at an age when you want to be playing every week. We had a good side under Steve and at times it was hard to get into the team. I went and spoke to Tommy but, thankfully, it didn’t work out. “It’s nice to hear that somebody still wants you and appreciates you but it was very quickly turned on its head. “We finished that season well, Jordan Jones moved to Rangers and I played most weeks after that. It’s funny how football works.” Kris Boyd, Sammy Clingan and Ross Davidson are among his former team-mates who will be there tonight and he admits it’s been humbling receiving countless messages of support and congratulations, saying: “I’ve had so many nice messages this week and it’s really hit home. “Having the limelight on me gives me genuine nerves. It’s not the way I like to do things. But the messages have been so nice, they’ve made me realise how big a night it is. Everyone seems so happy for me and it’s been nice to read.” He’ll try and hold it all together, but admits: “What I have always thought about the testimonial is walking out with my kids. If there’s going to be any point that’s going to get me, it’ll be walking out with my wife and kids.” The nature of testimonials, of course, is that the recipient is often closer to the end of their careers than the beginning. And while he’s hoping there’s plenty more years on the park, he confesses he’s already ‘excited’ to see what comes after he hangs up the boots and admits he doesn’t see coaching as a pathway. He said: “I don’t know where I see my future in terms of a job but I’m genuinely excited to see what’s next. I’ve not done my coaching badges and don’t have much interest in that. “Anyone I meet or play golf with, I chat to them about their job. Natalie always says anytime I speak to someone, I want to do what they do. I get really interested in people’s jobs. “I know it’s going to be difficult phasing out of football as this is the best job in the world but I’m genuinely excited about what comes next. The world is my oyster.” He added: “I have a good platform with a law degree. I’m not sure that’s what I’m wanting to do. It didn’t seem that much fun at the end of the degree. I’m not good enough to make golf pay. I couldn’t pay the bills with that. I love golf too much for it to become a chore. “When I stop playing football, I want to enjoy my golf and play a bit more.” That’s for the future, though. For today, Kilmarnock Football Club and Rugby Park will give him a well-deserved and well-earned night of celebration. Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter