Manager Paulo Sergio today laughed off claims from Kilmarnock boss Kenny Shiels that he lacked principles dealing with the Marian Kello situation.

The Slovakian goalkeeper, who rejected a new contract offer from Hearts in December, has been dropped from the first team in favour of Jamie MacDonald who recently signed a two-year extension to his deal.

Shiels took the opportunity at his pre-match press conference yesterday to take a swipe at Paulo and owner Vladimir Romanov over the affair but speaking to the media at Riccarton this morning, the Gorgie gaffer underlined his stance on the matter.

"Nobody put a gun to my head and said Kello can't play because of this or that," he said.

"Myself and the board discussed the problem and we arrived at the decision we agree is the best for the club. If Kello had been in the goal against Celtic and we lost 4-0, what would people be writing after the game? That he's not focused on Hearts? This protects the club and the player."

Asked if what Shiels said was disrespectful, he told the gathered press group: "What do you think? A guy talking about principles doesn't show any kind of ethics for anybody in this game.

"Now I understand why everybody in the game here is talking so badly about him - he should listen to what his players say about him. Instead he sticks his nose into the other teams. He should look inside his team and what his players are speaking about him to everybody here.

"It's like a clown. I am saving money every single day when I open the newspapers instead of going to the stand-up comedy and paying for a ticket. Every single morning I have a great laugh when I open the papers. It doesn't deserve for me to say anything more. Maybe tomorrow he will tell me another joke as we will be side by side. I will be ready for a big laugh.

"Their manager is always speaking about the others, not his team or his job. But with all the titles and leagues he has won in the past he has the right. We should all learn from him.

"But I don't want to play that game. I always respect people and will do the same. I hope tomorrow my players give this guy the answer."

He added with a smile: "Everybody should be learning from him. I am sure Alex Ferguson is reading these things every day as there is a lot to learn. I am so proud to be working in this country with managers like Ferguson and O'Neill. And so many Scottish managers as well. I remember Portugal having more than 100 managers and coaches working outside the country, which I think is a record. But I think everyone in football is wrong. We need to all go to Northern Ireland to find these specialists. Mourinho has a lot to learn from him."

Asked whether he would shake his opposite number's hand prior to kick-off at Rugby Park, Paulo said: "His hand, his neck, everything!"

On HeartsTV today, Paulo Sergio's pre-match press conference from Riccarton IN FULL ahead of trip to Kilmarnock.