Naismith aims to pile the pain on Clement

HEARTS boss Steven Naismith is confident his team can turn up the heat on Rangers in Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final clash at Hampden. After an initial resurgence under Philippe Clement going back to when he took charge in October, Rangers have faltered over recent weeks. A 3-2 defeat at Ross County last weekend was followed by a lacklustre 0-0 draw at Dundee on Wednesday night. Those two results have seen Clement’s side lose vital ground in the title race, a loss of form which extends to just two wins in their last eight games in all competitions. Hearts, by contrast, are in fine fettle heading into the Hampden showdown. Naismith’s men have secured third place and European football, with a crack at the Scottish Cup still to come. Rangers are the only team Hearts haven’t beaten so far this season, but Naismith believes his players can pile on the pain for the Ibrox side. ‘Two wins in eight tells you that they are not playing like they did before,’ said Naismith. ‘But I would say that in the time since the manager has come in, they’ve rode their luck a couple of times. ‘The first game against us at Ibrox, they were lucky to get a point, never mind three (Rangers scored twice in the last couple of minutes to win 2-1). ‘I think now, they are on the opposite of that and it’s about how they are going to react to it. ‘Their form isn’t where they would probably want or expect at this time of the season. But it’s a cup game, so it’s a different game. ‘There’s some players who have been there over the years and failed to win trophies. ‘For us, it’ll be a tough game, because it’s a chance for us to get to a final. It’s the same for them as it is for us. ‘We’ve seen the way Rangers play. They are a very direct team, they look to pick up second balls or get in behind you. I think in the last two games, Ross County and Dundee have been good at stopping that. ‘The more you play teams, you get a better understanding of them, what mistakes you have maybe made in the past and maybe rectifying them in the next game.’ Hearts lost to Rangers in the semi-finals of the Viaplay Cup earlier this season — and Naismith is desperate to see his players go all the way this time. He added: ‘We have improved. We are a better team now with a better understanding and we have confidence. ‘Our record and form from the last semi-final is matching the Old Firm. There are three or four points between the three of us since the last semi-final. That tells you we have progressed and that we are challenging with them in terms of a consistent basis to stay at that level. ‘The next step is playing in finals and winning them. Win it and it’s the best memories that live with you for ever. If you don’t, then you don’t remember them because you’re depressed. ‘We have a right opportunity to get to a final on Sunday. But also I think we are in a good place that we can beat any of the teams left in the competition.’