Rival Premiership manager can't resist turning Rangers screw as Ibrox underachievers goaded

19/04/2024 08:30

Hearts manager Steven Naismith has just filleted the Rangers leadership group for a failure to lift trophies at Ibrox.

The former Ibrox striker – whose unceremonious exit in 2012 hangs over his Rangers career – was talking ahead of this weekend's Scottish Cup semi-finals.

And in comments which only serve to wind the Rangers team up, Naismith reckons that he's not surprised the Ibrox side have collapsed in the title race.

The Hearts manager has had his role to play in keeping the Ibrox side's title tilt alive, having defeated Celtic twice on league duties this season.

But in direct and honest comments, Steven Naismith reckons this Rangers team don't have the mentality to get over the line.

Steven Naismith in Rangers "trophies" jibe

Speaking about the collapse of the Ibrox side's title advantage, Steven Naismith claims Rangers' luck has finally run out.

Referencing the 2-1 win over his Hearts side in October – where James Tavernier and Danilo scored late on to reverse the scoreline – Naismith reckons Rangers have been getting off with games since Clement came in the door.

The ex-Rangers striker has also hinted towards a lack of strength in depth in the Ibrox side's line-up which prevents them from playing effectively when certain players are not available.

“I don’t think it’s something that’s happened overnight,” said Naismith.

“When we got beat 2-1, we were winning at 90 minutes. What we did up to that point in the game was good and we caused them a lot of problems.

“I think in their run of games they have carried a bit of luck as well. That game for instance and a couple of others.

“They are a team that plays a certain way and like every team the style may not change but if the personnel is not right the game plays out slightly differently.

“Ultimately it’s an opportunity for one of the two teams to get into a final. We are in a good position. The last two results are good and we go in full of confidence.”

Naismith added: "There are a number of players who have been there over the years but failed to win trophies.”

Hearts manager smells Rangers blood

For all Steven Naismith has forever bruised his reputation at Rangers, the former Kilmarnock striker was part of a winning Ibrox team.

The 37-year-old ex-forward spent five years at Rangers between 2007 and 2012, lifting three league titles, one Scottish Cup and two League Cups.

In that same space of time, Rangers have lifted only one Scottish Premiership crown, one League Cup and one Scottish Cup.

It has quite simply not been good enough and Rangers fans have begun turning on a team who've crumbled under the title "pressure" for the final time.

We're not surprised Hearts smell blood at Hampden and after disastrous results between March and April, there's not so much hope this team can rectify it heading into May.