Hearts boss Derek McInnes believes there is “no shame” from his side’s thrilling 4-2 defeat against Rangers on Sunday afternoon, as their lead at the Scottish Premiership summit was cut to two points.

Speaking at full-time, McInnes advised that he saw enough courage from his side’s performance ahead of the run-in.

“Obviously disappointed because we came here to get a positive result. Regardless of how the game plays out, we still feel there’s so much optimism for the season ahead.

“We showed good courage in the game. Our biggest downfall was losing three goals out of the four when we had possession of the ball in their half.

“When we were set and in our shape, Rangers didn’t cause us too many problems. Where we were susceptible and looked like losing goals was exactly when we had good possession of the ball and we had too many bodies forward.

“The crowd helped the Rangers team. The longer we stay in front then that becomes more difficult and challenging for the Rangers player. We didn’t allow that. We allowed the crowd to get behind the team.

McInnes was quick to point out the financial discrepancies between his side and Rangers. His side has punched above their weight this season, showcasing excellent fight, and creating an intriguing three horse race for the title.

“Rangers have spent £40m-50m in two windows trying to put this squad together so there’s no shame for us losing this game, there’s just disappointment that we put so much into it.

“Credit to Rangers, they’ve won a big game. I still think there’s a big fight ahead of us for us all. We’re not too despondent because I see enough courage, I see enough in the performance and I still feel with the fixtures we’ve got between now and the split, particularly so many at home, that we can win games that can keep the whole thing moving along for us.

“These lads give everything for the shirt. We’re not going to go along away quietly. We’re top of the league. It takes a lot of good things for a team to be here where we are in the league and hopefully there’s a bit more in it. I do think there’ll be a lot of twists and turns yet. We’ve just got to manage our performances now and try and make some hay.”

Hearts will return to Tynecastle, ahead of two huge home matches against Falkirk and Aberdeen, with eleven league matches remaining, it is crunch time for the title challengers. McInnes will hope his side can maintain the right with the Glasgow Giants as the split draws nearer.