'The real Rangers turn up' - Steven Gerrard sends message to Hearts as he challenges players to prove themselves

Rangers boss has challenged his players to prove themselves at Tynecastle

Steven Gerrard has challenged his players to show the "real Rangers" at Tynecastle. Picture: SNS

Steven Gerrard has sent Hearts a message, noting he is hopeful “the real Rangers” will turn up at Tynecastle on Saturday evening.

The Ibrox side have picked up just one point from two visits to Gorgie in the league this campaign.

The latest disappointment at Tynecastle arrived last month when Rangers took the lead through Ryan Kent but were defeated with goals from Steven Naismith and Liam Boyce.

It began a downturn in form in the league.

In Europe, Rangers progressed to the last-16 of the Europa League thanks to a 1-0 win in Braga on Wednesday.

Gerrard has challenged his players to show the real Rangers at Tynecastle.

“The only thing we have to prove at Hearts is that the real Rangers are there for the challenge,” he said. “Hearts have beat us once and we respect them but hopefully, the real Rangers turn up tomorrow.

“Braga are a good team and they have beaten all the top teams in their league. To come through the tie we should take confidence from that but of course, Hearts will pose a different type of challenge.”

In the defeat at Tynecastle in January, Rangers were outthought, outfought and largely outplayed by Daniel Stendel’s side.

Gerrard’s concern is that Hearts force them to play their style.

“The reason I am here now is we still have to be fully prepared for Hearts,” he said. “This is now the most important match of the season.

“We have to go and execute our gameplan and not be drawn into another style of play and I am confident we will get the result if we stick to this.

“Hearts will be confident after getting two positive results against us but my focus will always be Rangers.”