CUP-winning Kilmarnock boss Kenny Shiels says it's a breath of fresh air that Hearts have become the latest side to upset the odds and end the Old Firm Monopoly in cup competition.

But he firmly believes his Scottish Communities League Cup winners defeated champions Celtic with far more style at Hampden Park in March than Hearts did in the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final on Sunday.

The Jambos squeezed through courtesy of a hotly-disputed last gasp penalty at the National Stadium on Sunday after Neil Lennon's side had equalised late in the game.

Shiels said: "It's good for the game to end the Old Firm monopoly but I would say that we beat Celtic with a bit more panache than Hearts did in the semi-final at the weekend. We played really well that day."

Meanwhile the gaffer is calling on his team to put on a performance as they head to Easter Road on Sunday to face a high-flying Hibernian side who are on a high after reaching the final last weekend, on league business.

HIs team are still smarting since the 6-0 defeat at home to Celtic which landed the Hoops the Premier Division title.

The boss added: "We had a good training session on Wednesday and the players were in good form. The Celtic defeat was disappointing but we want to put on a good display for the fans and our aim is to finish top of the Bottom Six.

"I felt we were unfortunate to lose to Hibs in the Scottish Cup tie although we beat them at Rugby Park early in the season. Hopefully we can go through there and win the match."

Midfielder/defender Garry Hay (sore knee) is a major doubt for the match.