Heffernan: Killie players back the boss

Striker Paul Heffernan insists Kilmarnock's players are 100% behind manager Kenny Shiels.

Suso Santana's injury-time equaliser earned Hearts a 1-1 draw against Kilmarnock in a feisty encounter at Rugby Park on Saturday.

Heffernan bundled home 10 minutes from time to put Kilmarnock ahead but substitute Santana headed in Ryan McGowan's cross late in the game to ensure a share of the points from the Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash.

In a heated war of words before the match, Hearts boss Paulo Sergio suggested that the Killie players were speaking negatively of Shiels behind his back and the Portuguese manager refused a pre-match handshake with his counterpart.

"I have no idea where he got that from, the players are 100% 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."