John McGlynn hopes Hearts can claim revenge at Rugby Park on Boxing Day after suffering a 3-1 loss to Kilmarnock earlier in the season.

Cillian Sheridan, signed by Killie boss Kenny Shiels in the summer after the Irishman left St Johnstone, struck a hat-trick at Tynecastle in September as the visitors triumphed.

Now McGlynn hopes his side, which beat Dundee United 2-1 yesterday courtesy of a Ryan Stevenson double, can defeat Killie on their own patch on Wednesday.

"Kilmarnock, we're maybe due them one," McGlynn said.

"They beat us here 3-1 and it was a sore day for us that day.

"They've gone along very nicely. Kenny's done very well in the signings he's made and bringing in players.

"We would anticipate a difficult game, but if we defend very well I think we'll be able to cause Kilmarnock problems as well."

Hearts moved into the top six with victory over United and could consolidate their position with a win in Ayrshire.

Midfielder Darren Barr could be the man tasked with stopping Sheridan.

McGlynn added: "He (Sheridan) is a top striker, it was a good bit of business for Kenny to get him.

"Darren Barr did an excellent job on Rudi Skacel. If he can do a similar job on Sheridan... but (Paul) Heffernan's a decent striker as well.

"They've got two good strikers there. I think Kenny's got a really, really good squad."