We need to maintain momentum ahead of semi-final, says Hearts manager Steven Naismith

Steven Naismith believes his side needs to “continue with momentum” if they are to stand a chance against Rangers at Hampden in the Scottish Cup semi-final.

Hearts will face the Ibrox club at Hampden in April, in a repeat of the 2022 Scottish Cup final clash.

The Tynecastle side are looking to reach their fourth Scottish Cup final in six years, but Naismith said he and his players are not looking that far ahead and instead need to focus on maintaining momentum in the coming weeks.

“The way we’ve constantly worked with everything is just on to the next one and also building on the main fundamental points that make us better”, the manager said.

“That’s how we work every week, there’s no point looking too far ahead.

“There’s too much that can and probably will happen before that game and we want to continue this momentum with the results and where we sit in the league table, so we’ve got a few big games before that.”

Hearts and Rangers have been allocated the same number of initial tickets for the semi, which is live on Viaplay on Sunday, April 21.

This is despite Aberdeen’s request for a 50/50 ticket split for their Hampden showdown with Celtic being denied.

Naismith says an even ticket allocation is “the way it should be. It’s good.

“Obviously the League Club was a bit different, but it’s the semi final of probably the biggest cup competition in the country, and it’s two massive clubs the way it should be, and it should be a good atmosphere for us to be involved in.”

Naismith also confirmed that Yutaro Oda and Scott Fraser will “potentially” be back for the weekend, while Barrie McKay could be back fit following the international break.