UPBEAT Kilmarnock boss Kenny Shiels hailed his new-look side as they extended their unbeaten run to FIVE games on Wednesday with a 2-2 draw against Hibernian at Easter Road.

The Clydesdale Bank SPL game was a dress rehearsal for Sunday's William Hill Scottish Cup Quarter-Final.

But the gaffer, whose side have remarkably scored NINE times in the Capital this season admitted he was disappointed not to close out the game for a win as they led 2-1 late in the match after goals from Jude Winchester and recent signing Sammy Clingan. However Leigh Griffiths blasted a second equaliser for Hibees two minutes from time in an absorbing contest.

Shiels told Sportscene: "I would have liked to close out the game especially since we were leading late on but we have scored nine goals in the Capital alone this season and that's a great record when you consider the whole season before I came here we scored only six goals away from home. We have done well when you consider we have lost Liam Kelly, James Nelson and Lee Johnson and our captain Manuel Pascali is out for the season with a hamstring injury."

Meanwhile Killie have been dealt another setback ahead of the match as James Dayton limped off with a hamstring injury at Easter Road and is a doubt for the weekend along with Borja Perez who has the same problem.

And the gaffer is not underestimating the task ahead as his side goal all out to seal a semi-final spot.

Shiels said: "We have to just keep plugging away but know it will be a difficult game and different from the league match. Of course it would be good if we could get back to Hampden."s For the full story see this week's Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald.