Player ratings for Hearts after Rangers defeat as only one player scores a 7

Ratings out of ten for every player who featured during Hearts’ 3-1 defeat to Rangers.

GK – Craig Gordon – 6

Couldn’t do anything about any of the three goals. Made a decent stop from Cedric Itten in the first half with his legs.

DR – Michael Smith – 4

The Hearts players celebrate after Peter Haring opened the scoring at Tynecastle. Picture: SNS

Whether he was a victim of the system or not, Alex Lowry had a field day in the first half with Smith continuously giving him too much room. Moved into the centre of midfield after the break but wasn’t much better.

DC – Toby Sibbick – 5

Was… fine (?) in a back-line which looked surprisingly rattled by a reserve Rangers side. A wee bit too plodding at times when moved into midfield.

DC – Stephen Kingsley – 5

One of the more experienced members in a defence that was embarrassed by a youthful away side. Has to take a share of the blame.

DL – Alex Cochrane – 5

Fewer complaints defensively about Cochrane than Smith on the other side, but wouldn’t go as far as to describe his performance as “good”.

MR – Gary Mackay-Steven – 5

Looked lively and showed belief in trying to run at the opposition but lacked a final ball.

MC – Cammy Devlin – 5

Got a bit lost in the central midfield area. Put in his usual effort but not to much effect and got barked at by Robbie Neilson. Subbed at the break.

MC – Peter Haring – 7

A “good” performance might be a little strong, but he was one of the better members in maroon and got himself on the scoresheet with an excellent finish.

ML – Barrie McKay – 6

Almost played an inch-perfect through pass to himself before the break. Unlucky with a couple of efforts that just flashed beyond the goal. Had another effort he should’ve done better with.

FC – Liam Boyce – 6

Was on the field less than 15 minutes before being forced off with what appeared to be a groin strain, but he looked really sharp in those minutes. All the more reason to worry about his health ahead of next week.

FC – Ellis Simms – 6

A decent first half including setting up Haring for the opening goal. Barely seen after the break before going off.

Sub – Josh Ginnelly – 5

Similar to GMS. Ran at his man and tried to make things happen but it just wouldn’t.

Sub – Nathaniel Atkinson – 5

Did a little better than Smith at right-back, but not by much.

Sub – Andy Halliday – 5

Very good against Motherwell in midweek, he was error-strewn after coming on against his old club.

Sub – John Souttar – 5

Good to see him back, but some of the defending didn’t bode well for next week.

Sub – Craig Halkett – 5

See above.

Player ratings scale

10: One of best performances you've seen. 9: Outstanding. 8: Very good. 7: Good. 6: Average. 5: Poor, 4: Very poor. 3: Terrible day at office. 2: Abysmal. 1: One of worst performances you've seen.

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