Source: PA
Jefferies sings Killie praises
Hearts manager Jim Jefferies has thanked Kilmarnock for spurring his side to success this season.
Killie inflicted a 3-0 defeat on Hearts on October 31 and Jefferies' side responded with a run of 10 wins and a draw in 11 games, only seeing their challenge at the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League halted by losses to Celtic and Rangers.
Hearts, though, remain in touch with the Old Firm ahead of the clash with Kilmarnock at Tynecastle after three wins and a draw in the last five games.
Jefferies believes his team have improved since the last fixture between the teams in Gorgie and although wrapping up third place for Hearts is his aim, he would also like to see former club Killie finish high up the table.
Jefferies said: "It's a different game, we've improved a lot since then - it was a turning point for us. It worked out for both clubs, it gave us a shot in the arm that we needed and we responded and Kilmarnock took a lot of confidence from it.
"I said way back then that they would make the top six and I think I've been proved right so far. They've done extremely well. We want to get third place tied up and there's one club - no disrespect to the others - I want to finish fourth. They would deserve that because they've been great to watch this year."
