Lee McCulloch expects Jon Daly to turn Hearts into a "different animal" from the team managed by Ian Cathro.

The capital club face McCulloch's Kilmarnock side at Rugby Park with both teams going into the match off the back of heavy defeats to champions Celtic.

Killie boss McCulloch played with Daly at Rangers and he believes the Irishman can stake a strong claim to replace Cathro on a permanent basis.

"Having known Jon for all the years that I've known him, Hearts will be organised and they will play with a passion and an aggression," McCulloch said.

"So it's something we are going to need to match to get something out the game. Compared to last season, I think they will be a different animal under Jon Daly."

He added: "I was aware at the end of last season that people weren't happy. But watching them last week against Celtic, I don't think you can take anything out of that game because they are blowing everyone away at the moment.

"I think we'll see Jon's mark on the team on Saturday. I really do believe it will be a lot different to what the Hearts fans have been used to."