Derek McInnes with brilliant reaction as he discovers Lawrence Shankland is banned from Kilmarnock clash

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Derek McInnes admits he was delighted to discover Lawrence Shankland will be missing when Hearts visit Rugby Park on Sunday.Shankland ended a 12-game goal drought when his double earned Hearts a 2-0 win over Dundee last Saturday.

But the striker also picked up his sixth domestic booking of the season which means he will be suspended this weekend. “Lawrence scoring last Saturday was huge for Hearts as he was so important in them finishing third last season,” said Killie boss McInnes. “So I am absolutely buzzing he is suspended this week!”McInnes now hopes the absence of the striker can boost his chances of taking advantage of any potential Euro hangover suffered by the Gorgie men.

Neil Critichley’s side will head to Ayrshire after a testing Europa Conference League assignment in Copenhagen on Thursday and McInnes knows only too well how difficult it can be in those circumstances.Killie lost all three of their domestic fixtures earlier this season after returning from European trips to Bruges, Tromso and Copenhagen. “That type of European fixture can take a lot out of you,” added McInnes. “We played in Copenhagen on a Thursday and then had to go to Pittodrie on the Sunday.“Hearts have games through their legs now but I have always found that it helps if you are at home after a European game.

The travel again, after travelling abroad, puts you at a wee disadvantage but Hearts have a good squad and plenty of bodies to choose from.“Neil won’t be using that as an excuse but all managers will want to play a team off the back of a European game.