Midfielder Ian Black today insisted the forthcoming league clash with Kilmarnock can prove to be the turning point in the season for Hearts.

Csaba Laszlo's side welcomes the Ayrshire outfit to Gorgie looking for their first victory of the campaign, opening games against Dundee United, Rangers and St Johnstone providing just one point.

As the Jambos prepare to tackle the Rugby Park side looking for a morale-boosting win, the tough-tackling midfielder labelled Saturday's Clydesdale Bank Premier League encounter as his club's biggest game of the season to date.

Addressing the media at today's pre-match Press conference at Riccarton, he said: "Saturday is massive and probably the biggest game of the season so far for us as we have only picked up one point.

"It's a home game in front of our fans so we'll be looking to get the three points and hopefully a win can be the turning point.

"Teams have bad runs, hopefully we are getting ours out of the way now. Everyone is due a bad spell but hopefully we can sort that on Saturday.

"Kilmarnock are always there fighting for the top six. They know their strengths and weakness but it's how we go about our business and if we approach it in the right manner we can take the three points."

Much of the focus of today's Press conference surrounded Ghana international Laryea Kingston and his club v. country issue.

Ian, though, refused to be drawn on the subject, insisting it was an internal matter between the club and the player.

"What happens between Larry, the manager and the club is a separate thing for the boys and I don't think it will affect us," he said.

"We just have to keep our heads down. The manager will sort it out and it's about how we go about our business.

"We haven't spoken about it - it's an individual matter going on behind the scenes."

The life-long Jambo is enjoying every minute of his time at Tynecastle and is getting used to all the media attention surrounding the club.

He said: "You read the papers and hear stories but now I'm involved in it you get a different picture. It's a massive club - the fan base, the history, the whole lot speaks for itself. It's a lot different from Inverness when I was up there and I'm proud to be part of it.

"I don't see anything wrong, I'm enjoying and looking forward to the games, especially this one on Saturday and the three points which hopefully will kick start our season.

"Hand on heart, I can say everyone in the dressing room gives 100 per cent. We have been unfortunate with results but there has been no lack of commitment."

Andrew Driver is set to start his first game of the season after injury and Ian can't wait to link up with the England U21 international.

"He has all sort of abilities. I'm looking forward to giving him the ball and seeing what he can do," he said.

"He didn't get into the England U21s for nothing. I'm sure he is excited about getting back into the fold, staying clear of injury and kicking on this season."

On Hearts.TV today, the Kilmarnock pre-match Press conference with Csaba Laszlo and Ian Black.