Derek McInnes with brilliant reaction as he discovers Lawrence Shankland is banned from Kilmarnock clash
The Jambos will be without their number nine on Sunday through suspension
When Hearts visit Rugby Park on Sunday, Derek McInnes acknowledges that he was thrilled to learn that Lawrence Shankland would not be playing.
Shankland’s double last Saturday gave Hearts a 2-0 victory over Dundee, ending a 12-game goal drought. The striker will be sidelined this weekend, though, as he also received his sixth domestic booking of the year. “Lawrence’s goal on Saturday was crucial for Hearts because he played a major role in their third-place finish last season,” Killie manager McInnes remarked.”So I’m so excited that he’s been suspended this week!”
McInnes therefore expects that the striker’s absence will increase his chances of exploiting any possible Euro hangover that the Gorgie lads may experience.After a tough Europa Conference League match in Copenhagen on Thursday, Neil Critichley’s team will go to Ayrshire, and McInnes is well aware of how challenging those situations can be.
After returning from travels to Bruges, Tromso, and Copenhagen in Europe earlier this season, Killie lost all three of their home games. “That kind of European match can drain you,” McInnes continued. We had to travel to Pittodrie on Sunday after playing in Copenhagen on Thursday.
“Hearts have played a lot of games lately, but I’ve always felt that being at home after a European match helps. You’re at a slight disadvantage when you have to travel again after being overseas, but Hearts have a strong team and lots of bodies to pick from.
“All managers will want to play a team after a European game, but Neil won’t use that as an excuse. It’s only natural. We must be the team that ignites and puts on a powerful performance, whether or not Hearts are fresh. You want to play a team that hasn’t rested.
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 30: on October 30, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Kyle Vassell of Kilmarnock celebrates after scoring to make it 2-1 in a William Hill Premiership game between Kilmarnock and Heart of Midlothian at Tynecastle Park. (Image courtesy of SNS Group/Mark Scates)
When Hearts overcame a deficit to win 2-1 at Tynecastle at the end of October, Killie delivered the first loss of Critichley’s tenure. “We put on a great show that day and defeated them, but we will have to show up for ninety minutes on Sunday,” McInnes stated.
