Rangers 2 Hearts 0:Kenny Miller grabbed his 20th goal of the season as Rangers moved within touching distance of retaining the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title with a win over 10-man Hearts.
Kyle Lafferty set the ball rolling in the 2-0 victory before Miller wrapped up the points from the penalty spot just minutes after the luckless Kris Boyd was substituted — the latter’s search for his 100th SPL goal for the club continues.
Celtic’s win over Hibernian 24 hours earlier ensured there would be no title party today but the Scottish champions can secure the silverware at Hibs next Sunday — or without even kicking a ball should the Hoops lose to Dundee United earlier in the day.
Rangers manager Walter Smith said his team, who dropped points at Dundee United on Wednesday, gradually improved today.
“I felt it was vitally important we managed to get a win today,” Smith told Sky Sports. “Though we were poor in the first half, we stepped it up in the second half and in the end we could have won by more goals.
“It’s a lack of pressure that’s causing us a problem. We’ve been in an unusual situation in that, since around nine games to go people have been telling us we’re champions.”
Despite the title being within touching distance, Miller is not celebrating just yet.
“We’ve still got another win next week. Today’s win puts us in a strong position going into the last four games," said the Scotland striker.