NafisaRangers have every reason to feel confident heading into a crucial week, but Derek McInnes knows his side face a challenge that could test their title ambitions all over again.
Saturday’s emphatic victory brought the feel-good factor back to Ibrox after last weekend’s frustrating draw, yet the manager is already looking towards a fixture that carries extra significance.
The 4-0 demolition of St Johnstone restored momentum after Rangers’ 2-2 draw with Dundee ended their run of seven consecutive victories. Kevin Kelsy scored twice, while Ryan Naderi and Tochi Chukwuani also found the net as the hosts produced a convincing response.
The result moved Rangers to within a point of Celtic ahead of the Hoops’ trip to Hibernian. However, McInnes will know that another demanding test awaits, with Rangers travelling to Tynecastle on Wednesday to face Hearts — the club he left to take charge at Ibrox during the summer.
And the Rangers manager has delivered a clear message to his players ahead of the return, insisting they must embrace the occasion rather than allow the surrounding noise to distract them.
McInnes sends Rangers warning ahead of Hearts return
There will inevitably be attention on McInnes when he returns to Tynecastle for the first time as Rangers manager, but he wants his players focused entirely on the football.
Hearts have established themselves as a difficult opponent on home soil, and their atmosphere can make Tynecastle an uncomfortable destination for visiting teams. McInnes has experienced that environment himself, making him well aware of the challenge awaiting his current side.
Speaking after the victory over St Johnstone, he acknowledged the quality of Hearts’ home form while making it clear that Rangers must approach the contest with confidence.
“I think what we have to concentrate on is the game. Obviously, there’s going to be a lot made going back there. But Hearts have got such a strong home record. We went last season unbeaten at home, and there’s a reason for that,” McInnes said.
He continued: “Tynecastle is brilliant for getting behind the team, and it’s a tough venue for any team to go to, at the best of times. So, once the game starts, it’s all about the game, and we just need to make sure we bring a big performance. I look forward to the challenge.”
The Rangers boss also stressed the importance of maintaining their momentum, with a demanding run of fixtures leaving little room for complacency.
“Obviously, it’s a big week for us. We said that ahead of this game. We’ve dealt with the first part, and we’ve got two tough games ahead of us.”
McInnes believes Rangers have enough quality to get the job done, provided they reproduce the level of performance that has helped them climb back into the title picture.
“There are certain fixtures that are a bit more difficult than others, throughout the league campaign, so Hearts away midweek, is always one you would say, is fraught with difficulty. But I think equally as well, we’ve got to go there confident, that we’re in decent form, knowing that we’ve got performance in us that can win the game.”
Rangers star left disappointed despite impressive display
While the result against St Johnstone provided plenty of positives, one Rangers player finished the afternoon frustrated despite delivering an impressive performance.
Min-su Kim was a constant threat in difficult weather conditions and came close to scoring with a curling long-range effort that struck the post in the first half. His movement, work rate and willingness to take on opponents made him one of the standout performers, but the goal he desperately wanted never arrived.
McInnes revealed that scoring was the first thing on the winger’s mind after the final whistle, with the youngster increasingly frustrated by his recent misfortune in front of goal.
“The first thing he talks about is that he’s not scored,” the Rangers manager explained. “I’m trying to get him away from that.”
McInnes clearly believes Kim’s contribution extends far beyond whether he finds the net, highlighting the player’s overall attacking threat and defensive work as evidence of his importance to the team.
“He’s so desperate to score and do well, and I think it’s clearly annoying him that he’s hit a couple of posts now, but his overall game, his threat, was superb today. He’s so willing. His counter-press is magnificent. His confidence in possession, his work rate, and the quality that he shows throughout the game.”
The manager also pointed towards the contributions of Rangers’ other wide players, with Bouanani scoring the previous week and Gassama providing an excellent assist against St Johnstone.
“But, obviously, he doesn’t get his goal. Bouanani gets one last week, which was great. Gassama gets a brilliant assist today, and Minsu did everything but score today. So, I’m fortunate we’ve got good wide players, but they know the importance of getting the numbers up, none more so than Minsu.”
Rangers face crucial test in title race
Kim’s frustration will offer little concern to McInnes compared with the bigger picture, with Rangers needing their attacking players to maintain their influence as the pressure increases.
The convincing win over St Johnstone was an important response after dropping points against Dundee, but the trip to Hearts represents a significantly different challenge.
With Celtic still within reach, Rangers have an opportunity to apply further pressure in the title race. McInnes will also be eager to demonstrate that his side can handle the atmosphere and scrutiny surrounding his return to Tynecastle.
His message is straightforward: Rangers must focus on the match, trust their current form and deliver another big performance.
For Kim, meanwhile, the challenge is to turn his promising displays into goals. McInnes has made it clear that he values the youngster’s overall contribution, but the winger’s determination to get on the scoresheet could become another important weapon as Rangers enter a decisive period of their campaign.
Nafisa
