Ian stays cool to leave Gers Black and blue

Published on Thursday 5 March 2009 08:42

HEARTS-BOUND Ian Black kept his nerve to convert the penalty which stunned Rangers at Ibrox then admitted it was probably the most important spot-kick Inverness have ever had.

Black scored from the spot in the final minute after David Weir was shown a straight red card for a challenge on David Proctor.

The unexpected 1-0 win allowed Caley to haul themselves off the bottom of the table and dented the Gers' title hopes in the process.

And Black, who will join Hearts in the summer after signing a pre-contract agreement, believes the shock win could make all the difference to Caley's survival hopes.

"It was probably the biggest penalty Inverness have had," he said. "It has given us a massive lift and it could be vital for the end of the season. We were due a bit of luck and it looks as though the tables have turned."

Ibrox boss Walter Smith insists Rangers must focus on themselves instead of worrying about Celtic.

The Hoops' 2-1 victory at Kilmarnock saw them return to the top with a three-point advantage but Smith said: "I don't think we can consider anything other than the way we play.

"In the first half, we didn't deserve anything. In the second half, we huffed and puffed and kept Caley back, they never really threatened at all.

"But, when you have that much possession of the ball and aren't good enough to create real clear-cut opportunities, then you've got to look at yourself more than anything else."