John Robertson names 'magnificent' Hearts ace who inspired win vs Rangers as perfect Old Firm scenario emerges
The Hearts icon was at Tynecastle to watch an outstanding win for the Jambos over Rangers.
John Robertson reckons a perfect Old Firm storm is brewing for Hearts this weekend - as his key star in victory over Rangers is named.
The Jambos legend was on punditry duty as Derek McInnes’ team came back from a goal down to all but knock the Light Blues out the title race in a 2-1 success. It means the Premiership leaders are seven clear of their defeated foes in third with nine points left to play for, and three ahead of defending champions Celtic beneath them, ahead of the Old Firm on Sunday.
Victory at Motherwell on Saturday and dropped Celtic points against Rangers could see Hearts clinch a first top flight title since 1960 next week at home to Falkirk. While wary of what Motherwell could do after they defeated Rangers at Ibrox in their first post-split game, Robertson feels a win could pile pressure on Celtic, who enter derby day in an unusual position.
How could Celtic vs Rangers benefit Hearts?
Robertson said on Sky Sports: “Hearts won't go to Motherwell, rock up and just go, this'll be easy. We'll skate through this. Hearts will have to defend unbelievably well against this very talented Motherwell side, who could be absolutely anything. Absolutely anything. They've only won one in the last eight, but they blew Rangers away in the first half at Ibrox.
“Hearts could go there and win 2-0. They could go there and possibly lose 2-0. The whole point is, if they can go and get another result, it puts a massive amount of pressure on Celtic. Probably for the first time, Celtic will have to rock up at Celtic Park in an Old Firm game, knowing they have to beat Rangers just to stay in the title race. It could be the perfect scenario for Hearts. Could be. Hopefully!”
He added on talkSPORT of his admiration for Blair Spittal after his introduction at half-time helped give Hearts control in the match: “It was a nice drive up the A9 last night after that, that's all I can say. I think Hearts came out of the traps well, and it looked good. But then Rangers were tremendous for half an hour. They really exposed Hearts, passing round and through them.
John Robertson on Hearts 2-1 Rangers
“Very, very fortunate, I think, to get in 1-0. I thought Rangers could have put Hearts to the sword, but you've seen it all along and you've seen it all year, Celtic, Rangers only play for 45 minutes at times. Fair play, Derek showed why he's the manager of the year. He took half-time, brought on Blair Spittal and he was magnificent second half. Played really, really well, turned it around.
“Two sensational finishes and Jack Butland had a wonder save to keep Rangers in it. There's just an atmosphere, there's a belief amongst the squad. There's certainly a lot more belief amongst the fans because we knew how big that result is. But we're Hearts fans. We're still wary. There's still work to be done and this weekend could be massive because our friends across the west could do us a real turn.”
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