By John Barnes

Taouil suffered a hamstring injury against St Mirren on Saturday

Kilmarnock midfielder Mehdi Taouil will be sidelined for a month, dealing a major blow to the club's hopes of a top-six finish.

Taouil suffered a hamstring injury in Saturday's win over St Mirren.

And manager Mixu Paatelainen told BBC Scotland: "He has been excellent for us, so it's very unfortunate.

"When you look at the goals he's actually assisted this season, there have been quite a few. He's been a very important figure in our midfield."

Paatelainnen believes the presence and performances of Alexei Eremenko have slightly overshadowed those of Taouil.

But the manager stressed that this has not made the Moroccan any less effective or important to helping realise Killie's ambitions in the Scottish Premier League.

He's a big loss to us, but that's where the squad comes into play and another player gets a chance Kilmarnock manager Mixu Paatelainen

"The emphasis has been on Alexei Eremenko and his performances, but Mehdi Taouil beside him has done really well in midfield," said Paatelainen.

"He's an individual - there's no hiding from that - but he also contributes and makes those telling passes and creates goals for us.

"So he's a big loss to us, but that's where the squad comes into play and another player gets a chance."

Killie will also be without Mohamadou Sissoko for Saturdays' trip to Tynecastle to face third-placed Hearts because the central defender is suspended.

Goalkeeper Cammy Bell, who missed last week's match with St Mirren because of ankle injury, is likely to miss out again.

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