Hearts dressing room SPEECHLESS after Rangers rout as Steven Naismith admits 'reality check' was avoidable

Steven Naismith admits his side got a reality check against Rangers - but vowed not to let an Ibrox defeat derail their season.

The Jambos arrived in Govan on a terrific run of form but were hammered by Philippe Clement’s table-toppers. The Gers were too good and ran out easy 5-0 winners, thanks to a Cyriel Dessers double and strikes from Mohamed Diomande, Oscar Cortes and Fabio Silva.

Hearts are still well clear in the Premiership’s third spot and have a derby against Hibs in midweek at Tynecastle. Naismith admits they were taught a lesson by Rangers but insists it won’t undo all of their good work. He said: “The five goals were probably among the weakest we’ve conceded and at bad times in the game. With Rangers going top of the league and playing before Celtic this week, we knew they were going to start fast. The atmosphere was loud and we probably didn't deal with that well enough.

"When you concede two goals, one early in the first half and one early in the second half, it's an uphill battle. It is a lesson to be learned for us. It’s disappointing because we have made good progress but it is a reality check.We’ve made big strides this season in how well we have defended.

“But you have to show respect to Rangers, they are in a good moment. The league turned for them last week. They were really aggressive in their press and we didn't deal with it well enough which led to us giving up chances.

“When you are playing against Rangers and Celtic, they have the quality to hurt you and that's what happened.I would hope it wouldn't derail us because we are in a really good place. This was more about trying to co compete with the teams at the top. That is the benchmark.

“The biggest takeaway from today is when it’s in the