Josh McPake explains why Hearts are still title challengers after Rangers 'stinger'

McPake backed Hearts to challenge for the Premiership title after they drew 1-1 with Rangers at Tynecastle, saying the squad has the quality despite late disappointment.

Hearts drew 1-1 with Rangers at Tynecastle on Wednesday night, with Olwethu Makhanya scoring late to deny the Jambos a win that would have closed the gap on league leaders Celtic.

Winger Josh McPake said Hearts should have taken three points and felt they had created enough chances to win the match. Despite the late heartbreak, the 23-year-old insisted the squad has the quality to mount a title challenge and praised the team's performance. "I thought we played really, really well," McPake said. "There's definitely enough quality. There's no doubt about that. But I think what the manager said to us is we just take it one game at a time."

McPake, who joined Hearts from St Johnstone in the summer, has become a key player under manager Wouter Vrancken. The Scotland international, who was playing in League Two with Stirling Albion just two seasons ago, said he remains hungry for success and is targeting a place in the Premier Sports Cup final.