Rangers restore pride after Celtic drubbing

Goals from Jason Cummings and Daniel Candeias restored some belief after last weekend’s 4-0 Scottish Cup semi-final drubbing by Celtic ahead of next weekend’s league trip to Parkhead.

Hearts pulled a goal back through Christophe Berra but it was a more comfortable afternoon for Rangers than they could possibly have expected.

Skipper Lee Wallace and Kenny Miller were absent, having been suspended following a post-match bust-up after the defeat to Celtic.

Boss Graeme Murty, given a lukewarm reception before kick-off, made four changes to the team ripped apart by the Hoops as Jak Alnwick, Jason Holt, Josh Windass and Cummings came in for Wes Foderingham, Andy Halliday, Greg Docherty and Alfredo Morelos.

The Ibrox faithful spelt out their anger before kick-off as they unveiled a banner saying: “No fight, no pride. Nowhere to hide. Incompetent on & off the pitch. We deserve better.”

Yet there was a quiet, almost eerie, atmosphere around the ground as a sense of apathy set in.

The home supporters were finally given something to shout about just after half-time.

Murphy drove down the left before cutting the ball back for Windass, who then laid off for on-loan Nottingham Forest frontman Cummings to tuck home his sixth goal since arriving in January.

Candeias gave his side breathing space in the 64th minute as he finished off from Murphy’s cross with a stunning diving header.

Murty’s men were not able to relax just yet as Berra pulled one back, flicking a Don Cowie free-kick home with his head with about 20 minutes to go.

Hearts could have been level moments later as Kyle Lafferty clipped the post but while Rangers also spurned a series of late chances, they held on to regain second spot from Aberdeen.

Celtic, on the brink of their seventh successive title, are 10 points clear of Rangers with four matches remaining.