WINANDMAKE ITCOUNTTHIS TIME–SOUTTAR
JOHN SOUTTAR was convinced Hearts would kick on after beating Rangers in January, only to be proved wrong.
So the Jambos defender reckons Daniel Stendel’s men must get a positive reaction this time around if they knock Steven Gerrard’s team out of the Scottish Cup tonight.
Souttar believes Hearts, who have beaten and drawn with Gers in the league at Tynecastle this term, are more than capable of getting another positive result.
And he feels the boost they would get from reaching the last four would help drag them off the foot of the table.
The Scotland stopper is also convinced there is far more pressure on the Ibrox outfit as they chase a trophy than there is on a Hearts side who have made survival a priority.
Souttar said: “Free hit is maybe the wrong phrase but you know what I mean. They have pressure and we have pressure on us as well. It is a big game for us, there is no getting away from that.
“A win would be huge, not just to get the club to Hampden again, for the fourth time in a row, which would be good.
“But it would give the whole place a lift and it could ignite something and give everyone a bit more belief. It could be a turning point and hopefully it is.
“Fingers crossed. I think
BY ROSS PILCHER everyone said that the last time and it hasn’t worked out. A cup run would be brilliant but our full focus is obviously on the league.
“So anything that happens against Rangers would be a bonus.”
The Ibrox side will head to Edinburgh on a high after their brilliant midweek win in Braga.
Their domestic form has left a lot to be desired, much like Hearts, but Souttar and his teammates know what’s in store and believes they have the know-how to beat Rangers again.
“We’ve watched them do certain things, they’re a top team, everyone knows that,” said the former Dundee United defender.
“But if we play to our strengths at Tynecastle and play similar to the last time then we will definitely have a chance.
“I’m not too sure Wednesday will affect them, they have a big squad and quality throughout their team.
“It’s important we just focus on ourselves, what the gaffer wants us to do and what we can do well in this cup tie.
“I watched the game the other night but we’ve watched Rangers quite a lot this season and played them so we have an idea of how they want to play.
“For us it’s about following the gameplan the gaffer has.”