Jim Jefferies today revealed that he's hoping Hearts can make it a personal third time lucky for him in this season's Co-operative Insurance Cup.

JJ has led Hearts and Kilmarnock in previous defeats when the competition took place under different banners, but now he has high hopes that the Tynecastle side can get a real run in this year's tournament.

That challenge starts with the visit of Irn-Bru Third Division side Elgin City in the second round tomorrow (Tuesday, 7.45pm, click for ticket information).

"There's a league, Scottish Cup and Co-operative Insurance Cup competition to play for," he said at his pre-match news conference this morning.

"It is a major trophy and it is one we are desperately trying to win, just as we would if it was the Scottish Cup.

"It would be nice for me if we could win as it would be third time lucky for me.

"As I said the other day you need to get the breaks along the way, and the right draws, not just ours but others meeting each other. You need to take advantage of it. Hearts are always looking like a side that could be in the fame to win it."

Jim could be without Darren Barr and Marius Zaliukas through injury but Kevin Kyle is likely to get his first start of the season. Stephen Elliott remains a doubt.

Eggert Jonsson and Ryan Stevenson should get their first starts of the season after suspension.

"I've got a strong squad," the manager said. "I had six or seven players out and the players we had in did extremely well.

"You could argue we could be stronger when you look at players like Andrew Driver and Ryan Stevenson - who had an excellent pre-season - and Eggert Jonsson.

"It is an opportunity at home and I would expect any team I put out to win the game. It is an ideal game for them to come back into."

On Hearts.TV today - Catch JJ and David Templeton at today's pre-match news conference, watch all the weekend action from Hearts' win over Hamilton, and later on catch match highlights from Hearts U19s 5-0 win over St Mirren

Picture courtesy of Eric McCowat