Heffernan insists Shiels has respect of Kilmarnock players

Published on Monday 13 February 2012 01:59

STRIKER Paul Heffernan has jumped to the defence of Kenny Shiels, insisting the Kilmarnock players are 100 per cent behind their outspoken manager.

In their much-publicised war of words before the match, Hearts manager Paulo Sergio suggested that the Killie players were speaking negatively of Shiels to some of the ex-Rugby Park players now working under the Portuguese at Tynecastle.

With Kevin Kyle, Jamie Hamill, Mehdi Taouil and Gary Locke among a strong contingent of former Killie players at Hearts, Sergio had said in his pre-match press briefing on Friday: “He should listen to what his own players say about him instead of sticking his nose into other teams. He should look inside his own team – at what players say about him to everyone here. He’s like a clown.”

But Heffernan, who scored in the 1-1 draw with Hearts, dismissed Sergio’s claims of dressing-room unrest. He said: “I have no idea where he got that from, the players are 100 per cent behind what the gaffer is trying to do here,” said Heffernan. “I think the manager calls it as he sees it, not just to the press but to the players as well. If he isn’t happy with something he will tell you, I don’t mind it personally and I am sure none of the lads do either.”

Heffernan also bemoaned the state of the Rugby Park pitch, admitting it is becoming difficult to produce their usual fluent passing game. “The pitch is making things very tough, it was a little better today but that was the first time we have played on it for three weeks,” admitted the Dubliner.

“Before today it was almost unplayable, it certainly isn’t ideal for our style of play and we are having to change our tactics for our home games.”

Sergio explained his reasons for refusing to shake Shiels’ hand and insisted he holds no hard feelings towards Kilmarnock Football Club. There was more drama at the final whistle as tempers flared following a handshake between Kilmarnock’s Dean Shiels and the Hearts manager, resulting in a shoving match between a number of players.

“You have to understand why I don’t want to shake his hand,” Sergio said. “When he came the second time at the end of the game, it was just to provoke me and get a reaction from the crowd.

“I have no issue with the kid Dean and wouldn’t like to see him punished. I would like to wish Kilmarnock all the best and I respect their fans.”

Taken from the Scotsman