Tomorrow is going to be a real test of character of both the Rangers and Hearts players. Here, however, we take a look at three Jambos who Steven Gerrard should think about swooping for.
As mentioned previously, Rangers should use Sunday as a potential scouting mission. Whilst we aren’t arrogant to think Hearts will just cave in to any offers for their star-men, Rangers clearly have the finances to interest them. Hearts were happy to sell Kyle Lafferty to Rangers over the summer, and it showed that money talks. The Tynecastle side don’t even own some of their top players either thanks to the loan system.
Tomorrow is going to represent one big challenge, and it’ll be interesting to see if the Hearts players can step up. Below, we list the three players Gerrard should keep his eye on for potential acquisitions.
JOHN SOUTTAR (CB)
When it comes to ball-playing centre-backs, John Souttar is one of the best in Scotland.
The Hearts man has grown leaps and bounds since signing at Tynecastle back in 2016. The Scottish internationalist has made over 90 appearances for the Jambos, and has really developed under Craig Levein.
At the moment, the youngster is part of an exciting young partnership between himself and Jimmy Dunne. Together, they’re looking formidable, and Souttar in particular has been one of the key parts of Hearts’ early-season success.
As well as that, he’s vastly experienced for just 22 years of age. As well as having over 90 matches at Hearts, he also played over 70-odd matches for Dundee United beforehand. He’s well used to the level in Scotland, and is improving on a weekly basis.
Rangers have four centre-backs at the club already, but Joe Worrall and Gareth McAuley have yet to make an impression. If you were to be serious, Souttar would be a big upgrade on both.
DEMETRI MITCHELL (LM)
This is one that is perhaps a little outside the box. Demetri Mitchell, however, has an explosiveness to him that could be well-received at Ibrox.
We spoke previously about how if Ryan Kent was to leave, then Brandon Barker would’ve been a good replacement. Gerrard could still do worse than give Mitchell a quick glance as well, however.
At just 21 years of age, he hasn’t played the games he would’ve hoped to throughout his career. On-loan from Manchester United, the left-winger has played just 16 times for Hearts in total. This is his second spell on-loan at Tynecastle after a six-month spell last term where he only played 11 games.
Don’t be put off by his lack of game experience, however, He has real dynamism going forward, and brings the kind of tenacity and flair that Rangers fans like to see from their wingers. He’s also made one appearance for Manchester United’s first-team, and been capped at every age level for England outside of the senior side.
He will be a real thron in Rangers’ side tomorrow, and James Tavernier needs to watch out. Mitchell can also drop capably to left-back, but Rangers certainly have enough of them.
STEVEN NAISMITH (ST)
Good old Naisy. Tomorrow, we’re about to find out whether Rangers made a mistake in not going for him in the summer.
The former Rangers and Kilmarnock forward has been lethal this season. Already, the striker is Hearts’ top goalscorer with 10 goals from 14 games. Added to that, he’s bagged two for Scotland since the season began also.
Naismith looks twice the player he was when Rangers decided not to move for him. His confidence is back and he’s playing with some swagger to his game under Levein.
He’s yet to really cause Rangers any bother whilst on-loan at Hearts from Norwich City. The fact he isn’t wanted at Carrow Road, however, would be a big boost to Rangers.
There’s no doubting that Naismith would walk from Norfolk to Glasgow if it meant he could play for Gers again. He still has a huge affection with the club, and has the same love for it that Lafferty does.
As it stands, he remains a Norwich player and enjoying his time at Hearts. A good performance tomorrow, and Gerrard should start thinking of picking up the phone to Norfolk.
