GERS BREAK HEARTS & FORREST IS ON FIRE

RANGERS ended Hearts’ unbeaten start to the season as James Forrest went goal-crazy for rivals Celtic at St Johnstone.

The 10-man Jambos went down 3-1 at Ibrox but still boast a two-point lead at the top of the table, ahead of city rivals Hibernian.

Rangers moved up to sixth thanks to three goals in 32 first-half minutes from Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos and Scott Arfield.

Michael Smith was sent off for Craig Levein’s visitors after the break, before Jimmy Dunne pulled a goal back.

Gers boss Steven Gerrard (above) said: “We got a bit complacent after Hearts had a man sent off, but we’re pleased as we beat a very good team who are where they are on merit. We went to war with them.”

Levein said: “I’m proud of the players because they kept going for the 90 minutes and didn’t give up, but I’m disappointed we gifted Rangers goals and didn’t score when we had the opportunities.”

Over in Perth, Forrest made amends for his midweek Europa League red card with four goals in Celtic’s 6-0 romp at St Johnstone.

All four came in the first half with Odsonne Edouard also on target before the break. Saints managed to stem the tide despite a red card for Danny Swanson just three minutes into the second half for hacking Forrest down.

Callum Mcgregor scored the sixth as the Hoops went third. And Celtic chief Brendan Rodgers ruled himself out of the running for the Aston Villa job.

He said: “There’s always speculation. Aston Villa’s a huge club. It’s a top Premier League club that’s in the Championship.

“But for me I’m so happy here at Celtic. I love it here and still have lots of challenges that excite me.”