Derek McInnes heaped praise on Hearts’ skipper, Lawrence Shankland, whose two goals sunk struggling Rangers at rain-soaked Ibrox.
The Tynecastle head coach (pictured) declared: “It was an absolute masterclass by Lawrence Shankland up-front.”
His first goal from an actute angle on the left was set up by a short pass from lively Claudio Braga and ice cool Shankland netted from a rebound after his penalty was blocked by Jack Butland. Harry Milne, who made an outstanding contribution to the win, was brought down as he drove into the box.
That second goal stunned home fans in the 50,000-plus crowd and many headed for the exits as soon as the penalty was awarded.
McInnes told BBC Sport Scotland: “That was an important win for us in terms of giving belief to a lot of the new lads and the lads who have been here a while who have been scarred by not winning at places like Ibrox.”
Russell Martin, Rangers’ manager, argued that three decisions went against the home side and he added: “We have so many players trying to feel their way into their Rangers career in a really difficult situation.”
