BBC pundit reacts as news emerges ahead of Rangers v Hearts
Lee McCulloch has reacted to the news regarding Hearts forward Liam Boyce ahead of the game against Rangers at Tynecastle.
The 32-year-old picked up an injury over the weekend during the win against Kilmarnock and is now a doubt for the game against Philippe Clement’s side.
McCulloch, a BBC pundit, believes that it will be a really close encounter as Rangers have struggled on their recent trips to Hearts.
He said on the PLZ Soccer Show at 25:08: “Liam Boyce went off with an injury. It’s a massive game as they now go against Rangers at home where at Tynecastle they’ve got a pretty good record. Rangers always find it difficult going there so I think it will be a really really close game.”
Boost
The potential absence of Hearts forward Boyce due to injury presents a boost for Rangers as they prepare for the game at Tynecastle.
The 32-year-old is a key attacking threat for Hearts but him being a doubt for the match could weaken their offensive capabilities, providing Gers with an opportunity to capitalise.
However, Philippe Clement’s side must not underestimate Hearts, especially at Tynecastle, where they have historically struggled.
McCulloch rightly emphasises the challenge they face in away fixtures against Hearts, urging caution despite Boyce’s injury.
Tynecastle’s history of being a challenging venue for Rangers adds an element of unpredictability to the encounter.
For Rangers, winning this game is imperative not only to secure three crucial points but also to apply pressure on Celtic, who currently hold an eight-point lead in the league.
Closing the gap in the standings becomes a top priority, and a victory against Hearts is essential to maintain the title race’s competitiveness.
In other Rangers news, the club may now rekindle the transfer interest in a ‘Dynamic’ central midfielder amid a recent behind-the-scenes coup.