Dyer said: "Burkey impresses every week. He trains like he's 18 or 19, he looks after his body, he's a good professional and good around the changing room with the young lads.

"He's a model professional and I'm glad he is on our side. He's a good role model. Round the changing room he is brilliant, he sets the standards every day and all the young boys follow that. He's a joy to work with."

Kilmarnock's encounter with Hibs kicks off a run of seven games before the winter break and Dyer knows this is a crucial period as they strive to secure top-six football for the third campaign in succession.

He said:  "We've got enough players to cope with the demands, all the lads know now what it's about and they know it's a period where they have to look after their bodies.

"It's a difficult period because it's Christmas and everyone is out and you want to be with your family and kids and you might eat a little bit more but that's where you have to be professional and come in and train well and do the right things."

Fifth-placed Kilmarnock can open a six-point lead over Hibs but Dyer knows they will be a difficult proposition after winning three games in a row, two since the arrival of Jack Ross.

Dyer said: "It's different because a new manager has come in and everyone wants to impress but every time you go to Hibs it's always going to be a hard game. It's a big club, a great ground and good support, so we know it's going to be a tough game.

"We've got enough experience in our changing room to handle that and we're raring to go.

"Jack had a good career at St Mirren and then he went to Sunderland, where I thought he did a good job and was unlucky to be sacked. He's now got a good job at Hibs, it's a great club and I'm sure he is going to do great things there but hopefully not Saturday."