(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Hearts legend Gary Mackay insists Robbie Neilson’s side have to go to Ibrox on October 16 and “stand up to Rangers” if they are to come away with anything from their top-of-the-table clash in Govan – with the Tynecastle icon hoping the likes of Cameron Devlin and Beni Baningime are “inspired” playing in front of a packed Ibrox.
The Jambos will be the first side to take a visiting support to Ibrox in the league since the Covid pandemic with Hearts confirming they have been allocated just under 1000 tickets, and Mackay thinks that can be a massive boost to Robbie Neilson and his players.
(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Hearts currently trail Rangers by a single point, with Hibs three points behind their capital rivals, and Mackay is hopeful Neilson’s stars can go and pull off an “upset” at Ibrox and become the first side to win at Ibrox in the league since Hamilton came away with three points before the country went into lockdown 18 months ago.
“Now we go to Ibrox and try to cause an upset in what should be a real occasion with first against second in the league. Some of the Hearts players know the stadium and have played there in big games, but for others, it will be new,” Mackay said [EEN].
“Cameron Devlin and Beni Baningime spring to mind when I say that. They are two heartbeats in the middle of the pitch and this will be new to them. They both seem to play with a smile on their face and a freedom, which is great to see.
“Hopefully they get a lift and become inspired playing in front of so many supporters, which can then help them play without fear. Thankfully it looks like there will be fans in maroon and white there backing them.
“It’s hard enough going to these places with fans behind you. If you don’t have them, it makes it even harder. I’m pleased to see that issue is on the way to being resolved.
“Either way, Hearts have to go to Glasgow and stand up to Rangers. That’s particularly true in the early part of the game. If we do that and express ourselves from middle to front, who knows what can happen?”
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