Sunday 5 April 2015 17:41, UK
Hearts boss Robbie Neilson refused to be too downbeat after his side lost their first away game in the Championship, a 2-1 defeat to Rangers.
The loss at Ibrox was only the second of the league campaign for Hearts, who sealed promotion to the Scottish Premiership last month.
Neilson’s side looked off the pace for most of the game, and played against 10 men for almost 50 minutes after Lee McCulloch was given a straight red card for following through with an elbow into the back of Osman Sow’s head in an aerial challenge.
Rangers were already two goals in front by then, and Hearts only looked threatening in the final 10 minutes of the game after Genero Zeefuik scored for the visitors.
"I thought we dominated in the second half without creating a lot of chances. I don't think we did enough to win,” Neilson said.
"But the pleasing thing is I am sitting here at Ibrox, having lost 2-1 and everyone is devastated. We have to take a step back and look at the big picture.
"We are 23 points clear at the top of the Championship and we are guaranteed top-level football next year.
"So I don't want to be too down. I spoke to the players after the game and told them to put it into perspective.
"When they walk out of Ibrox they should have their heads held high because they are champions and it doesn't matter what happens in one game, it is a 36-game league and they have been the best team."
