Kilmarnock boss Bobby Williamson produced an inspired double substitution to keep Hearts deep in relegation trouble after a thrilling match.

Tynecastle striker Gary McSwegan broke his scoring duck with strikes after 16 and 43 minutes to have the home side heading for their first League win since December.

But subs John Henry and Ally McCoist hit back to ensure a point for Killie and keep them on course for a UEFA Cup slot.

Hearts boss Jim Jefferies had been busy in the transfer market before last week's deadline and handed a starting slot to Darren Jackson, who joined in a £200,000 deal from Celtic.

There was a return for midfield playmaker Colin Cameron, whose trip to a French specialist appears to have aided his long-term groin injury.

But it was Kilmarnock who produced the first real threat, Gilles Rousset blocking a powerful Paul Wright drive after Ally Mitchell had dummied Ian Durrant's corner.

Gus MacPherson then had a stinging 30-yard drive well held by Rousset, but it was the home side that took the lead with 16 minutes gone.

Jackson poached the ball in midfield and played a quick through-ball to McSwegan who steered his shot beyond Gordon Marshall for his first goal in 13 appearances since joining the club last October.

Hearts continued to push forward, and French striker Stephane Adam missed two good chances before they finally claimed a deserved second goal two minutes before the interval.

Adam's back-heel set up Rob McKinnon, and he picked out McSwegan, whose powerful drive from the edge of the box flipped under Marshall's body and into the net.

Kilmarnock desperately tried to force their way back into the game at the start of the second half but could make little impact on the home defence.

However, Durrant's set pieces were always a threat, and Gary Holt met his 55th-minute corner with a header that dropped onto the roof of the net.

Jackson was enjoying an impressive debut for the Edinburgh men and came within a whisker of a sensational goal just after the hour.

The Scotland World Cup star unleashed a vicious shot from 25 yards that Marshall stretched to tip wide with a fine save.

Just as Hearts looked to have the game sewn up, Williamson threw on Henry and McCoist after 65 minutes to change the course of the match.

It was Henry who struck first after 69 minutes, firing home a fine 25-yard drive after a clever exchange with Durrant.

That had the Tynecastle men on the ropes, and eight minutes later, McCoist pounced to strike the killer blow.

Gary Holt cracked a drive across goal, and the veteran striker slid in at the back post to apply the final touch and sicken the home fans.

Teams

Hearts: Rousset, McPherson, Ritchie, Pressley, McKinnon, Locke (James 78), Fulton, Cameron (Makel 82), Jackson, McSwegan, Adam.

Subs Not Used: Guerin, Kirk, Strang.

Booked: McSwegan, Cameron, Makel.

Goals: McSwegan 16, 43.

Kilmarnock: Marshall, MacPherson (Henry 65), McGowne, Lauchlan, Kerr, Mahood, Holt, Durrant, Reilly (McCoist 65), Mitchell, Wright.

Subs Not Used: Meldrum, Burke, Davidson.

Booked: Kerr, McGowne.

Goals: Henry 73, McCoist 77.

Att: 14,689

Ref: K Clark (Paisley).