Great start could rescue season

Lee McCulloch believes the first 20 minutes of Rangers’ home game against Hearts on Sunday is key to the rest of their season.

The Ibrox club is in turmoil following its 4-0 William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final defeat by Celtic at Hampden Park, which ultimately led to the suspension of club captain Lee Wallace and veteran striker Kenny Miller.

Neither played in the game on Sunday but they were both called to a disciplinary meeting at Ibrox on Tuesday morning amid claims they undermined manager Graeme Murty in the dressing room afterwards.

Rangers have still to travel to Celtic Park on Ladbrokes Premiership duty but the former Gers midfielder, who played for the Govan club between 2007 and 2015, believes they have to first get back on track against the Jambos and look to secure second place in the table.

“Probably the first 20 minutes of that game will be the most important of the run-in,” he said.

“They need to start really well, get the fans behind them and just go and win the game.

“There is no place for excuses now.

“Hearts’ game plan will be to start well and try to get the fans to show their frustration against the team, like any team going to Ibrox.

“It is up to the Rangers players to show how much it means to play for the club.

“There is still a chance to salvage something from the season.”