Jambos spoil the party as McCoist's men make slow start

By Fraser Mackie

Steven Naismith spared Rangers defeat at the start of their title defence and the competitive reign of Ally McCoist, but his equaliser was all the champions had to show for second-half dominance at Ibrox on Saturday.

Hearts sought to protect the shock 16th-minute lead presented to them by David Obua's header and, for all the pressing by a home side reshaped at the interval, were able to leave Glasgow with a deserved point.

Jim Jefferies' team confirmed they will be on the tail of the Old Firm again this season and, if Rangers wish to go clear of them again, then the considerable recruitment promised by McCoist will need to materialise in the coming weeks.

For the draw highlighted how short of options the new Rangers manager is at present.

There wasn't a spark from the bench to match the pre-game fireworks ceremony and the unfurling of the Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League flag by chairman Craig Whyte.

And, minus captain David Weir through suspension, there is clearly a need for a dominant centre-half to operate alongside Madjid Bougherra - or instead of the Algerian if he exits before the end of next month.

Steven Davis skippered the side in the absence of Weir, and the veteran defender was certainly missed in the heart of the Rangers defence. Hearts suffered their own setback in that position when Andy Webster, an injury doubt during the week, lasted all of eight minutes before being replaced by Adrian Mrowiec.

However, that loss had no impact on the result as Eggert Jonsson moved back into defence and was splendid alongside Marius Zaliukas.

The Rangers supporters, who barely saw Webster in blue during four years of inactivity in his Ibrox days, did not miss the chance to mock.

But the visiting fans were soon taunting one of their old boys, new Rangers signing Lee Wallace, after taking an early advantage.

The goal came from a corner conceded by McCoist's first summer signing, Juan Ortiz. Danny Grainger, recruited from St Johnstone and Wallace's replacement at Tynecastle, flighted the kick to the heart of the area where Obua was allowed to rise unchallenged and bullet a header into the left-hand corner of Allan McGregor's net.

In doing so, the Ugandan had highlighted the desperate need for the quality centre-half to command the Rangers penalty box that McCoist has been hunting for several weeks.

Finding an answer by 5pm tomorrow, with European deadlines in mind, would be a help. Hearts started off well, breaking at pace and with swift passing exchanges that made Rangers look uncomfortable in the first half.

Mehdi Taouil and David Templeton, either side of Obua's presence in behind frontman John Sutton, were menaces.

Bougherra and Kirk Broadfoot's understanding lacks the telepathy that the Algerian enjoys with Weir.

McGregor was stung into action to prevent Hearts doubling their lead before the break as Templeton wriggled through, only to find the Rangers goalkeeper spreading himself to save.

In contrast to the wide threats of Hearts, Ibrox debutant Ortiz was no speed merchant and whatever amounted to a trick from the Spaniard, Ryan McGowan had a comfortable response.

There was little surprise that Gregg Wylde replaced Ortiz on 75 minutes.

A terrific last-ditch tackle by Ian Black stopped Naismith from pouncing on a Nikica Jelavic flick and kept Hearts ahead at the break.

But after the restart, Rangers pressed in relentless fashion to create three excellent chances within five minutes, two of which were passed up by Naismith.

Davis, Jelavic and Naismith were all involved before the skipper burst into the area to try to poke the ball to Marian Kello's right, only for the keeper to scramble a save.

A subtle dummy by Jelavic caught out not only the Hearts defence but perhaps Naismith, too, as he didn't get his posture right for the side-foot shot that sailed over the crossbar.

The Scotland forward had no better fortune when misjudging a header in front of goal that failed to test the keeper.

But the tireless Naismith is nothing if not determined and he got it right on 58 minutes.

Sasa Papac's delivery found the run of Naismi t h perfectly and he expertly guided a glancing header beyond Kello. Rangers couldn't take advantage of a Hearts team sitting deeper as the game progressed.

Indeed, McGregor's excellence amid all his inactivity kept his side's hope of a winner alive.

Sutton nodded down for Obua and the Scotland goalkeeper matched a fine volley with a fingertip save.

With two minutes left, Naismith's lofted pass played in Papac for a shot that begged a deadly touch.

The Bosnian left-back won't profess to possessing such a weapon in those circumstances and it showed as a weak side-foot effort on the drop was easily gathered in by Kello.

There will be few tougher SPL tests than a visit from this strong Hearts side, so McCoist cannot beat himself up too much today as he rallies his men for Tuesday's visit of Malmo.