As Hearts aim cup success, Steven Naismith praised the team for giving Rangers another chance in the semi-finals and assured that his players are eager to exact revenge for their previous meeting at Hampden.
In a fierce Scottish Cup quarterfinal match at Cappielow, Kenneth Vargas’ goal in the 86th minute gave the Jambos the advantage over Morton 1-0 and guaranteed another semifinal matchup with Philippe Clement’s team. Hearts has already dropped all four of its encounters with Rangers this season, including a 5-0 drubbing at Ibrox last month and a 3-1 loss in the League Cup last four. In the other semifinal, holders Celtic will take on Aberdeen.
However, Naismith maintains that his team think they can win it all. He praised veteran goalie Craig Gordon for his outstanding performance in shutting out Tonne. We have put in a lot of effort this season to make it to these last stages, he stated. Since the previous semi-final, we have made significant progress, and we hope to do so once again in the cup to increase our chances of winning. To win trophies, you need to have that desire and hunger, and we are fostering that. I hope today turns out well for us.
It’s going to be a difficult match, but then all semifinals are. Additionally, you have the occasion, but we should take use of the fact that we have already advanced to the semifinals this season. And we’ll be anticipating it. Besides, you have the occasion to handle. It’s just one more game.
“I believe we have competed well against the Rangers in the majority of our games.” We conceded five goals in the previous game, but it’s possible that we should have scored more. The Rangers have little work to do. We need to turn those setbacks into motivation to improve our performance and win the tournament. Our team consists of exceptional individuals who are driven and eager to succeed both individually and collectively.
Vargas’ goal proved to be the difference, but Gordon’s effort was equally crucial, and with Steve Clarke in the grandstand, he had a chance to make the Scotland manager’s squad. “He’s back to where he was before,” said Naismith. He has put in a lot of effort, is driven, and has great experience coming for balls and relieving pressure. But having two excellent goalies is fantastic.
“The Scotland team? Let’s see. I think the manager is a highly good manager, but he has some significant decisions to make. He will be aware of his responsibilities both at this camp and moving future.
Gordon acknowledged that he was desperate to get Clarke to notice him. He remarked, “Hopefully. I can only give it my all when given the chance. I was pleased with my performance when I was given that chance tonight.”
In the meantime, devastated Morton manager Dougie Imrie believes Hearts departed Greenock knowing they were fortunate. “I stand here incredibly proud of the boys,” he remarked. We faced off against a legitimately elite Premiership team, and they will realise how fortunate they are to be in the semifinals.
We believe that we ought to have been there instead, but we were just barely there. I believe the outcome would have been different if George Oakley, our primary striker, had been available.
Craig Gordon had to make a few significant saves during the same period when we performed exceptionally well. It’s all about Cappielow, who was fantastic that evening, and it makes us eager for future events like it.
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