Ryan Stevenson insists Steven Naismith must tell his players to go beat one of the big boys to prove Hearts are back.
The Tynecastle side have won their last four league matches on the bounce, but Philippe Clement's team is the next test for the Jambos this midweek.
The Ibrox outfit will arrive in Edinburgh tomorrow night looking to ensure the gap on Celtic at the summit of the Premiership doesn't get any bigger.
But for the hosts, it's all about getting a firmer grip on third spot.
Stevo wrote in his Daily Record column: "There was an old adage among top flight players like myself who never experienced life at the Old Firm: “If you don’t play for Rangers or Celtic the next best thing is to beat them.”
"It sure as hell rang true for me. Battering Hibs with Hearts was obviously a thrill as well but in my time in Gorgie we kind of just got used to dumping our poor neighbours. There was no bigger statement than flooring one of the big two.
"Here’s the galling thing ahead of Tuesday's visit of Rangers though: Daniel Stendel was in charge the last time Hearts pulled off a win over Rangers. That’s 11 games and almost four years without a win in the fixture.
"Yes the Glasgow duo may have far greater resources but it should never be the case that Hearts go so long without laying a fist on them. It’s not a hole you want to be going down where 11 without a win becomes 15 then becomes 19 as the seasons pass.
"We beat both Rangers and Celtic in my second season at Tynecastle. Against Rangers I scored the greatest tap in of my life to sicken Walter Smith’s side and spark an almighty Jambo pub crawl in Edinburgh. Funnily enough Steven Naismith was in the Rangers ranks that afternoon but I bet he doesn’t remember it as clearly as me.
"What he will gladly bring to mind though is the memory of being part of that Stendel side that dumped Steven Gerrard’s Gers out the Scottish Cup in February 2020. That’s what I would imagine Naisy will be stressing to his players ahead of kick off tomorrow night. Seize the moment. Go and make memories that will last you a lifetime.
"Beating Kilmarnock on Saturday to win four in a row for the first time in five years is great. But if this Hearts team has anything about them they’ll know winning this next one carries far more weight. Dump Rangers and they’ll be flying.
"Hearts are the third biggest club in Scotland. They are now sitting there again in the table and it’s time to build on that. They have to get at Rangers. They can’t show too much respect. The fans want to see them go hell for leather, a good old blood and thunder approach.
"Get down the side of them, get crosses in the box, supply Lawrence Shankland with chances. Therein lies the key. All eyes will be on Shankland given the rumours linking him with Ibrox. I wouldn’t be surprised if he bags a couple of goals.
"No disrespect but if there’s one good striker on the park tomorrow it’s Lawrence because I don’t think Rangers have any at his level just now.
"Right now you can see things coming together. The brilliant goal they scored against St Johnstone last week was something they’d have worked on on the training ground. Defensively they’ve now only conceded one goal in four games which is excellent.
"If I was Naisy I’d be telling the players that’s another hurdle cleared... can we now go and beat the Old Firm? Go and make a statement against the big boys."
