Whittaker insists Rangers haven't lost bottle and can still win title despite having their Hearts broken

Steven Whittaker insists Rangers still have the bottle for the title race despite throwing away a two-goal lead against Hearts.

The Ibrox side appeared to be cruising to a win which would have allowed them to wipe out Celtic's advantage at the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

But instead of piling the pressure on the champions ahead of their visit to Dundee United on Sunday, a second-half collapse saw Rangers forced to settle for a point.
Nacho Novo

Nacho Novo sums up Rangers' frustration after their home draw with Hearts

Some observers will no doubt be questioning Rangers' stomach for the fight as the title race heads into the final straight.

But Whittaker believes the international break will allow the Ibrox side to recharge their batteries and come back stronger than ever.

He claimed: 'We still believe we can do it.

'We don't usually throw a lot of points away at home and we have done so in the last two games. That's disappointing.

'But we have time to regroup now and focus on the games we have left.
Christos Karipidis

Christos Karipidis celebrates scoring Hearts' first goal at Ibrox

'All we can do is go out and try to gain as many points as we can and see where we end up at the end of the season.'

Kyle Lafferty opened the scoring early on before Barry Ferguson found the back of the net on the stroke of half-time.

Hearts had failed to make an impression for the first hour but burst into life with goals from Christos Karipidis and Ruben Palazuelos in a blistering three-minute spell.

Asked where it all went wrong for Rangers in the second half, Whittaker admitted: 'That's a good question. I don't know.

'We started the game so well and were coasting to quite a comfortable victory.

'But they changed formation in the second half and went for it a little bit and we just let two goals slip.'
Barry Ferguson and Kris Boyd

It all started so well: Barry Ferguson and Kris Boyd celebrate after Rangers took a two goal lead

Rangers left the pitch to the sound of jeers from their own fans and Whittaker had no complaints about the reaction from the Ibrox crowd.

'Sometimes they get on your back but they pay their money to come and watch us,' said the full-back.

'They are always going to get behind the team when we're winning and they are going to be disappointed - like us - when we don't win.'

The draw keeps Hearts on course to claim the coveted third spot behind the Old Firm.

Palazuelos said: 'We were poor in the first half and the manager was very angry at half-time but there was a big improvement in the second half.

'A draw is a good result and this point could be so important come May.'