John Souttar reveals why Hearts need to beat Rangers and Hibs back-to-back

Hearts defender John Souttar wants wins against Rangers and Hibs.

Beating Rangers in tonight’s Scottish Cup quarter-final would be just Hearts’ second win against a top-flight club since November 9 last year.

Both would have come against the Ibrox side, likely fuelling accusations of those in maroon raising their game against one opponent in particular. “Of course! We’ll just need to beat Hibs on Tuesday to scupper that,” smiles defender John Souttar at the prospect.

Back-to-back wins haven’t been achieved since last July in the group stages of the Betfred Cup but Hearts are determined to perform with every game now critical.

They enjoy a strong Scottish Cup history, however league survival remains the absolute priority. Hence Souttar’s glance ahead to an imminent and colossal Edinburgh derby.

The 2-1 league defeat of Rangers last month didn’t provide the surge Hearts desired so this evening’s tie is another opportunity. “Everyone said that the last time and it hasn’t worked out,” says Souttar.

“We go into this game with sort of a free hit because it’s a cup game. A cup run would be brilliant but our full focus is obviously on the league. So anything that happens against Rangers would be a bonus.

“Free hit is maybe the wrong phrase but you know what I mean. They have pressure on them and we have pressure on us. It is a big game for us, there is no getting away from that.

“A win would be huge, not just to get the club to Hampden again for the fourth semi in a row, which would be good. It would give the whole place a lift and it could ignite something and give everyone a bit more belief. It could be a turning point and hopefully it is.”

The tournament represents Rangers’ most realistic chance of lifting silverware this season. Hearts know what to expect at Tynecastle Park and do not buy into theories that their guests may be jaded after Wednesday’s Europa League win in Braga.

“We’ve watched them do certain things, they’re a top team, everyone knows that,” acknowledges Souttar. “However, if we play to our strengths at Tynecastle and play similar to the last time then we will definitely have a chance. I’m not too sure Wednesday will affect them. They have a big squad, they’ve got quality throughout their whole team.

“It’s important we just focus on ourselves, what the gaffer wants us to do and what we can do well. I watched the game the other night but we’ve watched Rangers quite a lot this season and played them so we have an idea of how they want to play. For us, it’s doing what we can do and following the gameplan the gaffer has for us.”

Escaping relegation from the Premiership might well depend on how much momentum Daniel Stendel and his players can muster between now and May.

In that respect, beating Rangers and then Hibs would be extremely useful. “It’s obvious how serious the situation is,” admits Souttar. “We have got to win games and win them quickly.

“I don’t think the best thing to do is look at other teams, we have got to focus on ourselves and we need to win games. If we do that the other teams won’t matter. I don’t think you can go through the season thinking: ‘I hope they drop points.’ We have got to focus on ourselves and start getting results quickly.”

Tonight’s tie will again be a collision of two attack-minded teams with neither manager wishing to change philosophy. Might that suit Hearts? “I think the way the gaffer plays, it is a high line and we press the other team,” says Souttar.

“I think we did that well against Rangers but it is the transition from how we wanted to play before and how we want to play now that is key. People say that it is going to take time but we don’t have time now. It has to start clicking into place.”