We're ready if Rangers slip up

HEARTS assistant coach John McGlynn believes Rangers' participation in the UEFA Cup this season could hand his side an edge in the SPL.

The Ibrox outfit progressed to the group stages of the competition thanks to their aggregate victory over Norwegian side Molde while the Jambos were eliminated by Sparta Prague over two legs last month.

Everyone associated with the Gorgie club was disappointed by their failure to progress beyond their Czech opponents but McGlynn believes the current situation could yet benefit his side.

On Thursday night, Rangers recorded a history-making 3-2 win against Livorno to become the first Scottish side to win a competitive match in Italy. The victory gives Paul le Guen's team a great opportunity of qualifying for the next phase of the tournament and McGlynn insisted that possibility would not only be great for the Scottish game but could also benefit Hearts.

"It was a great result for a Scottish club in Europe," admitted McGlynn.

"From our point of view, we can only concentrate on our own games but we know from our own experiences that it can be difficult to compete in both Europe and Scotland.

"You saw the other night that it was very wet and the conditions were pretty heavy so there's a chance they could slip up against St Mirren tomorrow.

"It's extremely difficult to play in Europe and then come back to the SPL and get good results because the travelling involved definitely takes a lot out of you.

"You can do your upmost to try and recover physically but there is a mental aspect to it as well.

"The fact Rangers got a good result will help but there are many teams that struggle to play in Europe and stay fresh for their domestic matches."

Taken from the Scotsman