Kenny Shiels was satisfied his Kilmarnock side forewent style in favour of grinding out a Scottish Cup win over Dundee.

The Scottish Premier League side saw off their First Division opponents at the second time of asking on Tuesday night, with goals from Paul Heffernan and Dean Shiels contributing to a 2-1 win.

Gavin Rae brought the visitors back into the tie but Shiels men saw the tie out, setting up a fifth round trip to face Hibernian.

"It was a great performance," said the Shiels. "The boys were fantastic. The big thing was the organisation.

"Everything we worked on out of possession was very good. It would be cruel to say we dominated after the first 15 minutes but we had more purpose in our play and there was always a threat.

"But Dundee were a credit to their league and to Scottish football in the way they passed the ball. They play a good brand of football and I was delighted to see that.

"We have had to work hard and we are pleased to get through. We have to go to Easter Road now which is a really good venue and a good surface and we look forward to that."

Shiels was also buoyed by the influential return of Gary Harkins to his team, with the former Dundee player featuring despite suffering a suspected broken ankle at the end of December.

"We didn't think he would make it," the manager added. "We were surprised that he has come back so quick but he is a quick healer - but maybe it was the Killie pies, I don't know.

"We waited to see for a response yesterday but there was no pain in the ankle. The physiotherapy department have been working really hard on that and it was priority to get him right and we achieved that.

"He was fantastic. He was involved in both goals. He gave us that target to play to and he has got good strength and we have been missing it in recent weeks. I am really pleased."

IN DETAIL

• Match report: Kilmarnock 2-1 Dundee