Kilmarnock kept focused on the game and hope to start off on a run of good results like last year.
Kilmarnock manager Kenny Shiels was assistant to Mixu Paatelainen last October when a 3-0 victory at Tynecastle started a run of seven wins in 10 games, and he now hopes his side can go on a similar run. Shiels said: "It resonates in my head from last year - we had three clean sheets, three victories, three 3-0s. It started here (at Tynecastle). Perhaps I'll use that and we'll stimulate the players with that - 'Here we go again, let's get the momentum moving again'. We've had a really good month in October. We lost a game on October 1 against St Johnstone that we should never have lost. My goodness, I'm still having nightmares about that. (But) we've played the top four, five teams, very, very difficult games and we've come through with a couple of draws, a victory and we've come through in the league cup. I'm pleased with the work the lads have done."
Shiels was happy his players kept their cool as Hearts lost theirs and tackles flew in across the field. Paul Heffernan was tripped by Marius Zaliukas in the box, and a penalty was awarded only after Muir had been alerted by his assistant Stuart MacCaulay. Striker Heffernan said: "There were some big tackles going in out there. Maybe they are a bit frustrated with what's happening here, I don't know. It was all going off. You get some games that are going to be like that and we handled ourselves well."
With Hearts in the ascendancy the visitor's goal was under siege at times and goalkeeper Anssi Jaakkola saved well from Ryan Stevenson in the first half and Rudi Skacel in the second. The Finn is currently taking the chance presented by an injury to Scotland international Cammy Bell, who is almost back to full fitness. Bell is not certain to regain his place when he is again available for selection, though. Shiels added: "Anssi's had three clean sheets and for 83 minutes against Celtic he had a clean sheet and we just got hit very quickly. I don't think we should isolate that (selection) decision that has to be made."
Hearts continue to use their website to offer their views which allows some editing of any comments which may be not that popular with officials. It is therefore unlikely we will ever hear what Sergio really thought of the game. He said: "We have to be very careful with what we say. I was sent off the bench because I hit the bench. I didn't know it's a rule that I can't hit my bench. I hit the bench to exteriorise some feelings that I had. I think everyone can understand what those feelings were."
