ROBBIE PIC K S U P THE BILL

moments, including a part in the excellent Lowry goal that put Rangers in front on the stroke of half-time, that suggested the on-loan Juventus star could still have a say in the kind of occasion Rangers thought he could inspire them to when they launched their audacious move for him back in January.

But the more likely candidate to leap from Saturday’s understudy performance to the spotlight of the main stage on Wednesday might just be Lowry.

The 18-year-old not only has terrific balance, meaning he’s a danger off both feet, and a cool head under pressure but he also an aura that suggests he’s destined for the big time.

But it was Hearts who fired first in 24 minutes as James Sands failed to get to grips with Ellis Simms. As the striker shrugged off Rangers’ American loanee, he set the ball back to Peter Haring to sweep home the coolest of finishes.

But within seven minutes Gers were level. From Lowry’s pinpoint corner delivery, the Swiss hitman bulleted home his first Rangers league goal in 15 months. Lowry put the away side in front in firsthalf stoppage time, collecting Ramsey’s pass before drifting past Michael Smith then caressing a nonchalant finish past Gordon.

While Hearts were relieved to welcome back Souttar and Halkett after the break, van Bronckhorst chose to blood some of his youngsters. And Rangers’ clincher with 10 minutes left was entirely an academy production.

From midfield, Lowry fed McKinnon and after a one-two with McAusland the 19-year-old capped off a dream debut with a tidy touch and finish past Gordon.