Hearts will be without four players when they take on an ineffective Rangers team in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park on April 21, according to Steven Naismith.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, April 18, the Maroons manager discussed his first full season as manager and the upcoming cup match.
The former Rangers player, cited by Edinburgh News, has disclosed that Peter Haring, Craig Halkett, Calem Nieuwenhof, and striker Liam Boyce will all be sidelined by injuries. Craig Gordon, a former Celtic custodian, will start ahead of Zander Clark in goals.
“Calem is still out,” he declared. It is likely that he will be absent for a little while longer than anticipated.
“Gordon will play on Sunday after playing last week to gain more playing time. Boyce, Halkett, and Haring remain sidelined; all others are cleared to play.
It is undeniable that Naismith’s injuries are unlikely to have had an impact on his choice of teammates.
Out of 33 possible SPFL games, Boyce has made just seven starts, Halkett four, and Haring five. Together, they have made just 16 starts.
Lawrence Shankland, who has excelled this season, will be the Maroons’ main offensive weapon. He has seven more goals and four assists in other competitions, and according to FootMob, he has 21 goals and four assists in the league.
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They have conceded six goals in their last four games and have won two, drawn one, and lost one, so there is still opportunity for the Rangers attack to make an impact.
Considering that Philippe Clement’s team has lost their last three games, a trip to Hampden could be the ideal diversion.
A 0-0 draw last time out against Dundee just enhanced the growing frustration at Ibrox. None of Kemar Roofe, Fabio Silva, Cyriel Dessers etc. could find a way past Jon McCracken.
With Hearts keeper, Gordon being an ex-Celtic star, he will want to do all he can do keep them out once again.
In other Rangers news, Chris Sutton has torn into the Gers players after what they did against Ross County.
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