Derek McInnes knows his return to Tynecastle will be about more than three points. On Wednesday night, the Rangers manager goes back to Hearts for the first time since leaving Gorgie for Ibrox in the summer. He has urged his players to block out the noise around the fixture and embrace the atmosphere, something he clearly respects from his time in the home dugout. (scotsman)
McInnes was quick to play down the personal storyline. He pointed out that plenty will be made of his homecoming, but that the real challenge is the venue itself. Hearts went unbeaten at home last season, and he believes their supporters make it a difficult place to visit. For a man who came within minutes of delivering a historic league title with the Jambos, that praise is sincere rather than diplomatic. (britbrief)
Rangers arrive in decent heart. Their win over St Johnstone moved them within a point of Celtic, and the 4-0 scoreline came after McInnes demanded a top performance from his side. It was also a useful afternoon for squad rotation, with Tuur Rommens returning from an 11-week injury absence off the bench. (scotsman) (britbrief)
The most telling detail came from one of the match’s best players. Min-su Kim struck the post with a curling effort and was central to much of Rangers’ attacking play in difficult weather. Even so, McInnes revealed that the young winger left Ibrox frustrated because he had not scored. It is exactly the sort of hunger a manager wants to see, and it suggests the dressing room has the right mentality ahead of a big away test. (scotsman)
With the title race tight, Wednesday offers Rangers a chance to show they can handle hostile surroundings. McInnes has made his warning clear: the occasion will be loud, emotional and awkward, and his players need to stay focused on the football.
