Killie loss was turning point - Jefferies

22 December 2010 15:30
Manager Jim Jefferies believes Hearts' next opponents Kilmarnock are to thank for a recent run which has led to some suggesting his side could be genuine contenders for the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title. Hearts have won eight and drawn one of their last 10 games and last Saturday had a six-game winning run ended by a 1-1 draw at home to fourth-placed Inverness. Jefferies' side are six points clear of Caley Thistle in third place in the table, five points behind leaders Rangers and three adrift of Celtic, although the Old Firm have played fewer games. Hearts' recent run began after the 3-0 loss at home to Kilmarnock on October 31, a result which has helped Killie to five wins and two draws in eight games ahead of the teams meeting again on Sunday. Jefferies is looking forward to a return to Rugby Park. "The Monday morning meeting was something that couldn't be repeated," said Jefferies, who returned to Hearts from Killie in January. "We were fortunate that the next game was vital to us and that just happened to be the derby at Easter Road and we went into that with the right attitude, which wasn't there against Kilmarnock. "Since then we've never looked back. Maybe Kilmarnock did us a little bit of a favour there and I think we did them a favour. They've gone on to have some good results since then. They're playing well, they're a good side. I spent a long time down there and I'm really pleased they're doing well."

Source: PA