Old Firm main target as JJ throws down the gauntlet for Hearts

Published on Tuesday 18 January 2011 10:58

KEVIN KYLE and Rudi Skacel are expected to be fit for Hearts' crucial SPL encounter with Rangers this weekend, with manager Jim Jefferies challenging his players to prove they have the mettle to match the Old Firm in the title race.

Both Kyle and Skacel missed last night's 2-1 victory over Kilmarnock through injury, but Jefferies is confident they will be available on Saturday.

After watching his side come from behind to win at Rugby Park by dint of two Stephen Elliott goals, the manager stressed that his players must seize the moment in their next two matches against the Old Firm.

Hearts host Rangers at Tynecastle before facing Celtic at Parkhead next Wednesday.

"Now we have a chance to show if we've got what it takes to put in a challenge," said Jefferies.

"We're going into it on a high, we're going into it with a bit of breathing space behind us.

"We'll just try and do it on the pitch. That's what I've told the players to do.

"There's no point talking about it. Teams in the past have talked about it and not stood up to the plate, that's the challenge for any club.

"We are in that position at the moment. It's up to us to stand up and take it and I'm sure we'll get wonderful backing on Saturday."

Asked about the likelihood of Kyle playing after taking a cortisone injection for his groin problem, Jefferies said: "He has a very good chance and so will Rudi."