Jefferies hails hero keeper Kello as Hearts prepare for Celtic

Published on Wednesday 26 January 2011 07:42

JIM JEFFERIES today acclaimed Marian Kello's contribution as the Slovakian goalkeeper aimed for a second Old Firm shutout tonight when Hearts meet Celtic at Parkhead.

Having performed heroically in Saturday's 1-0 win over Rangers, Kello is seeking to keep Celtic at bay and help Hearts secure a priceless result in Glasgow to continue their championship challenge.

Jefferies, the Hearts manager, stressed the importance of the 28-year-old, who has recorded six clean sheets in his last nine appearances, a run interrupted only by a back injury.

"Kello will be important in every game, because he's an outstanding goalkeeper," said Jefferies. "I played him at Kilmarnock after the injury because I wanted to give him game time before the Old Firm matches, and Jamie MacDonald accepted that. Jamie and Janos (Balogh] are terrific goalkeepers as well.

"It proved to be right (at Kilmarnock] because he had a terrific save at 2-1. Then on Saturday he produced a string of good saves in the first half to keep us in with a chance. We said at half-time it would be a shame for him to be on the losing side after his efforts in the first half. We said it was about helping him and making sure he didn't have too much to do, and the players did that."

Hearts will be without Kevin Kyle and Calum Elliot this evening, however Rudi Skacel is fit to play.

Celtic have released an extra 350 tickets to travelling fans heading to Parkhead which will be available from Tynecastle at 11.00am today.

Meanwhile, Wigan Athletic will dispatch a scout to Celtic Park to watch Lee Wallace in tonight's game.