Jamie Hamill feels having players who know all about the Ayrshire derby can help their cause in the League Cup second round - if they keep a cool head.

Hamill is one of a number of Ayrshire-born players in the Kilmarnock ranks looking forward to locking horns with Ayr United at Rugby Park.

Goalkeeper Craig Samson is another, while young players such as Chris Johnston, Rory McKenzie and Robbie Muirhead are looking to sample their first top-team derby.

Hamill was at the club when Killie knocked Ayr out of the 2009 Scottish Cup, one of only four competitive meetings this century, but he did not play in the games.

He has faced Ayr in several friendlies, but is eager to sample his first proper derby action.

The Irvine-born player said: "It's good to have a bit of local knowledge and know what the games are all about.

"But you have to play it as if it's a normal game. It is vital you don't get caught up in the atmosphere.You have keep a cool head."

Killie also have people on the sidelines who know all about the rivalry with manage-ment team Allan Johnston and Gary Locke both former team-mates of Hamill.

Locke followed Hamill from Hearts to Rugby Park this summer and the midfielder feels his addition has been a huge boost.

Hamill said: "I played with the gaffer and Lockie for years at Killie so they know what the club is all about. It will be brilliant to have them at the side of the park for us in this game."