JEFFERIES BACKING WALES

Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies believes in-form striker Gary Wales can return to haunt his former club Hearts in the Tennent's Scottish Cup third round.

The 27-year-old has responded to the challenge of filling the goalscoring boots of Kris Boyd with two crucial last-minute goals against Dundee United and Hibernian in his last two games.

And the Killie boss, who guided Hearts to Scottish Cup success in 1998, insists Wales is relishing the opportunity of a return to Tynecastle after leaving the Jambos for Rugby Park in 2004.

Jefferies said: "Like any player who has spent time at a club and then goes back, there is always a little edge to it.

"Gary has been very patient because of Kris' performances and the fact he's had one or two niggling injuries.

"He came on against Dundee United and popped up with the winner then started against Hibs and come up with a very important goal in the 2-2 draw.

"Him and people like Allan Johnston will relish going back to put one over on their old club.

"As long as they don't get caught up in the occasion though, because I've seen players go back to their old clubs and, in their efforts to try harder, they get caught up in the whole thing and don't give their best.

"Gary did a good job there and has good memories of his time at Hearts but he's now trying to help Killie get into the next round of the cup."

But Jefferies concedes the third-round draw was not kind to his team, despite the fine form in the Bank of Scotland Premier League this season.

He said: "When the draw was made, Hearts away from home was one of the hardest because of the season they've had.

"We've played them twice this year and there has been very little in it.

"But this will be a tricky tie for Hearts as we've been on a good run.

"But they are, quite rightly, the favourites as they are going so well this season and have some fantastic players.

"We know we'll have to play well to have a chance, but it might be our day and we're capable of causing an upset.

Jefferies has held discussions with Killie chairman Michael Johnston over a new contract and is confident it will all be fixed up soon.

He added: "I've not seen a contract yet, everyone keeps telling me about it but I've not seen it.

"I've spoken with Michael and he's going to put things down in writing and then I'll have a look at it.

"We've had discussions and I just want to make sure what was discussed is included in it."

Taken from sportinglife.com