Still Much To Do For Hearts

Last updated : 07 April 2007 By Ed_ScottishFitba
We can then go into the split hopefully still in touch with Aberdeen to try to get this third spot
Hearts may have beaten Hibs last week but coach Stephen Frail wants that to be forgotten and his player concentrate on beating Kilmarnock today. After a traumatic season which has seen the exit of numerous personnel on and off the field, Hearts enjoyed one of the best results of their campaign bringing Hibs down to earth last Sunday. The gritty 1-0 win took the club back to within six points of third-placed Aberdeen in the league, as they chase a UEFA Cup spot with just six league games left. They face Kilmarnock at Tynecastle today, the team managed by former Hearts boss Jim Jefferies. Frail said: "
Killie are a good team. I was at their game on Tuesday night at Motherwell when they didn't play as well as they can, but they got the 1-0 result which is what it's all about." The win over Hibs helped soften the blow of the 4-0 home defeat to Dundee United a fortnight before, a result which was followed by plenty of soul-searching. Kilmarnock have secured a top-six finish with little fuss this season, and a victory tomorrow would take them to within two points of fourth-placed Hearts.

Frail said: "
We know how difficult will be. They are well organised and have good players with threats all over the park, so we need to make sure we are ready for it. But it's been easy this week training the lads. They've been up for it obviously on the back of last Sunday's result. It's been a wee bit lighter in training and they've got smiles on their faces. But we're focused and have a big game against Kilmarnock to hopefully get the three points. We can then go into the split hopefully still in touch with Aberdeen to try to get this third spot."

Frail has pinpointed the danger of in-form Kilmarnock striker Stevie Naismith ahead of the match. One of the hottest properties in the Scottish game Naismith has scored 17 goals so far this season. He added: "
Naismith is a good player. He doesn't give defenders a minute and when he does get the ball he is quality and can finish. Our lads are aware of him and we'll need to make sure we are on our toes. He'll be one of many players that a lot of clubs will be looking at. I don't think you can continue to play like that and not attract attention. He has been down south (to train) at Arsenal, so that shows you the quality he has got."

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