Hibernian striker Abdessalam Benjelloun wants to put World Cup heartache behind him to help the Easter Road outfit split the Old Firm.

The Moroccan and compatriot Merouane Zemmama saw their hopes of playing at South Africa next summer dashed following the recent 3-1 qualifying loss to Gabon.

However, Benjelloun was able to put that disappointment behind him on Saturday as he scored the winning penalty against Kilmarnock to keep the Leith outfit in touch with Rangers and Celtic at the summit.

John Hughes' third-placed side are just two points adrift of league leaders Rangers ahead of next Saturday's trip to Ibrox, and Benjelloun claims they are capable of finishing runners-up this season.

He said: "I think this year Rangers and Celtic and all the teams are similar so I think everyone can win and lose. It's not the same as before when the Old Firm were far away from the other clubs. I think this year we have a chance to be second or maybe third.

"I don't want to say champions but maybe second or third. Celtic drew which was good and Rangers won but we have a chance to go and beat them because, as I said, the level is the same. When Rangers are at home or away, they can lose. I think we have good players to play very good football."