Steven Naismith names the Rangers problem Hearts can exploit with Philippe Clement in a 'tough environment'

Steven Naismith admits Rangers recent woes will help shape his Hearts team's gameplan in Sunday's Scottish Cup semi-final showdown at Hampden.

A run of just eight matches in all competitions has seen the Light Blues get knocked out of the Europa League and lose ground in the Premiership title race. Philippe Clement's side now trailing Celtic by three points after squandering the chance to go back to the summit with a goalless draw in Dundee on Wednesday night and a disastrous 3-2 loss up in Dingwall against Ross County last weekend.

On the flip side, Naismith's Jambos go into the clash at the national stadium off the back of four wins in their last six matches in all competitions. Hearts sit 11 points clear of nearest challengers Kilmarnock in third place ahead of the final five post-split fixtures, but can now shift their attentions to trying to end their 12-year wait for major silverware, having last won the Scottish Cup in 2012.

Naismith, who enjoyed success as a player with both clubs, concedes his side will be looking to take advantage of their opposition's recent woes but insists they have prepared like they would for any other game. Speaking to the media ahead of the clash at Hampden, he said: "We've prepared for it like we do for any game, it's just another game on the journey. Yes it gets you into a final, but like we do with every team, we will look at their style of play, their form, the injuries and what they do.

"Two wins in eight tells you they're not at the top level they have been in the 15-20 games before. The dynamic of that means that the players aren't playing with the freedom that they have done in the past or they are second guessing some of their decisions.

"That intenseness from the crowd will