Kenny Shiels guide Killie to the League Cup semi-finals, beating rivals Ayr United. Despite the win, Shiels criticised rival team tactics, believing the club should have done more. On 18 February 2012, Kilmarnock beat Rangers 1–0, with Shiels' son Dean scoring in the 12th minute, making him the first Kilmarnock manager to beat Rangers twice in one season. After the match, Shiels said a win over Rangers was dedicated to the club's supporters and praised his son, who scored the only goal in the match, for his performance as "outstanding". On 18 March 2012, Shiels' Kilmarnock side travelled to Hampden Park for
Dean Shiels under his father. Shiels won his first Northern Ireland cap against Portugal in November 2005. He was recalled to the squad for the match against Scotland in August 2008 after an absence of 18 months. Shiels appeared as a second-half substitute in the goalless draw at Hampden Park. Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill said in February 2012 that Shiels could still have an international future. O'Neill selected Shiels during the 2012–13 season despite him playing in the Scottish Third Division. Shiels scored his first international goal on 12 September, in a 1–1 draw against Luxembourg. Dean Shiels Dean Andrew Shiels