Early Hearts team news v Rangers: Halkett and Smith likely to be out, Souttar could start
Hearts could be without Craig Halkett and Michael Smith when they take on Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday, according to Sky Sports.
The broadcaster reports that while John Souttar is in contention to start against his future club in the high-stakes Scottish Premiership clash, fellow centre-back Halket, 26, will definitely miss out with a hamstring injury.
It is understood that Smith, 33, “is likely to miss out again after being troubled by back spasms recently”.
Boost for Gers
It’s fair to say that if Hearts are missing Halkett and Smith, they are a weakened side and one that Rangers should be able to beat with Alfredo Morelos back in contention.
It’ll be an awkward occasion for Souttar, who won’t want to hurt his chances of playing in the Champions League for Rangers next season but also won’t want to lose any professionalism in trying to win for Hearts.
It’ll be a bold move to play him but with Halkett out injured, Souttar is pretty much nailed on to start at Ibrox on Sunday afternoon.
Halkett has played 27 times in all competitions for the Edinburgh club this season, making him one of their most important players.
Smith has also played 24 times for the Jam Tarts, starting the majority of their matches in the Scottish Premiership.
Rangers should see this as a boost but they also should be focusing on their own performance more than anything because what we saw at Celtic Park earlier this week was a complete embarrassment to the great name of this football club.
We demand better and we demand results and performances to improve this weekend.
In other Rangers news, two senior players are missing for the Gers when they take on Hearts.