Derek McInnes declares what he expects from Hearts upon Tynecastle return as Rangers set stall out
The former Hearts boss returns to Gorgie for the first time this coming midweek.
Derek McInnes insists he’ll be keeping Rangers focused on a huge week for the Ibrox club amid noise surrounding his anticipated reunion with Hearts.
The former Tynecastle gaffer returns to the capital for the first time since swapping Gorgie for Govan in the summer. His Rangers side have hit form and thrashed St Johnstone 4-0 in their latest Premiership match, the start of a major week, that includes a Jambos test and Premier Sports Cup semi-final versus Aberdeen.
McInnes knows much noise will be abound over facing Hearts, who he took to second in the league last season, but focus for him will be on ensuring Rangers take something from a venue few have domestically over recent times. The Light Blues manager said: “I think what we have to concentrate on is the game.
Derek McInnes on Hearts vs Rangers
“Obviously, there's going to be a lot made of going back there. But Hearts have got such a strong home record. We went through last season unbeaten at home and there's a reason for that. 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.
“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. 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, starting at Tynecastle and then, obviously, Hampden in the semi-final.
On the home win over St Johnstone, McInnes said: “It is quite ironic in the sense that we were so brilliant in the first half and created so many opportunities, yet we were only a goal to the good at half-time. Obviously, we don’t want to let the frustration of those misses, missed opportunities and all that dominance filter into the second half. I think half-time came at a bad time for us because, despite the conditions, some of the play was really good.
“I asked the players to be brilliant, not just win the game. Can we really commit to being the best we can be and as good as we can be? I thought we were in the first half, but we're just looking for that reward. Everything was brilliant except the result at half-time because we should have been further in front.
“We got the second goal and, from there on in, it was quite straightforward. Ironically, we scored three goals in the second half when we weren't as polished and as clean with our work. Both of our strikers still contributed and Djeidi Gassama created a brilliant opportunity for Tochi Chukwuani at the end. There are lots of learnings for us here, but getting your strikers scoring goals, keeping a clean sheet are all positives. It was a horrible day for everybody out there. It was just important that we won the game.”