'Sensational' Killie can give themselves 'a chance' of third - Bell

Kilmarnock can put themselves in with a chance of pinching third place from Hearts with a win at Tynecastle on Saturday, says former Rugby Park goalkeeper Cammy Bell.

A League Cup winner with the Ayrshire club in 2012, Bell believes Derek McInnes' attacking arsenal has pushed the side forward this term.

"Kilmarnock have been sensational this season, absolutely brilliant," he told BBC's Scottish Football Podcast. "They were really strong at home last season, their away form let them down.

"They've rectified that a little bit, they're not brilliant away from home, but they've started to pick up points. They're a hard team to beat.

"They've got some top quality players: Danny Armstrong, Kyle VaSsell, Marley Watkins up front, really effective for them. Matty Kennedy, too. Some strong, strong players there."

Kilmarnock travel to the capital knowing a win would narrow the gap to the Tynecastle side, giving them an outside shot of nipping into third and potential group stage European football.

"It's a real tasty one," Bell said. "And for me, it's one that I probably look at Kilmarnock and think, if they could beat Hearts at Tynecastle, it gives them a half chance of getting that third spot because ultimately, they'd claw some points

"I know there's an 11-point gap at the moment, but they'll have that opportunity playing Hearts again when the split comes.

"It's probably the last opportunity for Kilmarnock to possibly get that third spot, but they need to take all three points."