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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark Pirie

Robbie Neilson defends Rangers team selection as Hearts boss makes 'different levels' admission

Hearts boss Robbie Neilson was keen to take the positives after Rangers ran riot at Ibrox.

The third-placed Jambos were put to the sword by an Alfredo Morelos double, Glen Kamara, Scott Arfield and Fashion Salaka at Ibrox.

Despite the five-goal margin of victory, Neilson insists his side were well in the game for long spells.

He told Sky Sports: "In the first half we were alright and came in at 1-0 down.

(Bruce White/Colorsport/REX/Shutterstock)

"But I thought we started the second half quite well, in the first 10 15 minutes we had a couple of opportunities we should have score. We lost the second goal and seemed to capitulate.

"It shows where we are at the moment. We are a good team, a very good team, but to get to that level we need to improve.

Having brought on Ellis Simms from the start to put some pressure on Rangers, the Hearts boss was quizzed on if the Everton loanee should have played from the start.

But the Tynecastle batted away the question, stating: "I don't think so. I thought Barrie (McKay) was up there and causing them problems with his pace.

"I do think him coming on gave us some physicality up there. It's a disappointing day.

"When you come to a stadium like this you have to take your opportunities, and we have two or three very good ones.

"If you don't take that it becomes very difficult.

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