Unsung hero Michael Jeffrey fired Kilmarnock into a CIS Insurance Cup semi-final clash with Celtic at Hampden Park in two weeks' time.

In a disappointing game, with clear-cut chances at a premium, the winning goal looked certain to be either something special or fortuitous.

And so it proved as battling midfielder Jeffrey hit a hopeful 20-yard effort which spun off Grant Murray and looped over the despairing Hearts goalkeeper Antti Niemi into the net.

But it was only what the home side deserved after creating the best chances in a tight game and they warranted their first semi-final appearance in the competition since 1974.

Kilmarnock were without regular strikers Christophe Cocard and Andy Smith but Jerome Vareille and Martin Baker caused the Hearts defence all sorts of problems.

In the 18th minute the visiting defence had to be alert to stop a flowing passing move inside the box involving Ian Durrant and Vareille.

The two sides had drawn their two previous encounters 2-2 and this game was equally as tight with both sides struggling to break down the opposition's defence.

In the 35th minute Jim Lauchlan was yellow-carded for a tackle from behind on Gary McSwegan but then came the best chance of the match two minutes later.

Baker's hopeful long ball was chased down by Alan Mahood who lobbed the keeper but Hearts defender Gary Naysmith was on hand to hook the ball off the line.

Three minutes after the break Kilmarnock felt they should have taken the lead when the impressive Baker looked to have been pushed over in the box by Fabien Leclercq.

After 59 minutes Kilmarnock should have taken the lead when Mark Reilly found Gary Holt down the right but Mahood was unable to get on the end of the cross.

Kilmarnock again tested Niemi in the 77th minute when Jeffrey found Burke who had Niemi saving at full stretch.

However, the home side did take a deserved lead, albeit in a fortuitous manner, when Jeffrey's shot was deflected off Murray and looped over the despairing Niemi.

Kilmarnock now have their sights firmly set on a mouth-watering semi-final encounter with the Parkhead side.

Teams

Kilmarnock: Meldrum, MacPherson, Lauchlan, Dindeleux, Baker, Mahood (Bagan 83), Holt, Durrant, Reilly, Jeffrey, Vareille (Burke 72).

Subs Not Used: Hessey.

Booked: Lauchlan, Baker.

Goals: Jeffrey 77.

Hearts: Niemi, Pressley, Leclercq (Simpson 67), Petric, Naysmith, Murray, Cameron, Jackson (Juanjo 79), Fulton, Wales, McSwegan.

Subs Not Used: Tomaschek.

Booked: Jackson.

Att: 6,648

Ref: Willie Young (Scotland).