Source: Team_Talk
Jefferies: Postponement could help
Jefferies was initially left disappointed at the call-off of the SPL fixture around 1.45pm due to massive traffic problems on the M8 motorway.
The Kilmarnock team bus was stranded for three hours at Newhouse following a chemical spill and subsequent lorry fire and had no chance of making the 3pm kick-off at Tynecastle.
The entire eastbound carriageway was closed after the incident and it was decided collectively by Jefferies - who arrived at the stadium independently - Hearts counterpart Csaba Laszlo, Jambos managing director Campbell Ogilvie, the police and referee Willie Collum to postpone.
With visiting fans also affected and best estimates for a revised 4.30pm start, it was felt better to make an early decision in light of the problems.
While unhappy to miss out on a game, Jefferies knows having the extra few days for the rearranged match will help aid the recovery of a number of his injured players.
Jamie Hamill (knee) and Danny Invincibile (back and hamstring) were both short of fitness for Saturday's game, while James Fowler (hernia) and Kevin Kyle (knee) were ruled out.
But three of that quartet could now feature on Tuesday and Jefferies said: "It was disappointing not to play but we've got one or two boys who have been out injured so they will get another couple of days and, who knows, maybe even Kevin Kyle will make it.
"Jamie Hamill would have played on Saturday and that was a surprise as he has only trained for two or three days. Danny Invincibile would have been on the bench but he had only trained for a couple of days.
"But they will now be strongly in contention for Tuesday."
Kyle's return would be a major boost to Jefferies. The in-form striker has scored 11 goals in just 15 appearances for the Ayrshire side since his arrival from Coventry.
The 28-year-old - who was forced to pull out of the Scotland squad following his call-up after a five-year international absence - will be given every chance.
Jefferies added: "I would certainly think Kevin will be fit next week, so we'll see how he trains and how he has been with the physio.
"I thought there was an outside chance for Saturday, but we decided not to risk him. The few extra days will certainly give him a better chance than Saturday."
