Team news: Rangers and Hearts name sides for Scottish Cup semi-final

Rangers manager Philippe Clement and Hearts boss Steven Naismith have named their sides for the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden.

The teams meet at the national stadium knowing that the winner will go up against Celtic to try and win the famous trophy on May 25.

Clement has spoken about his excitement about the game, and Rangers have an opportunity to turn things around after a defeat to Ross County and draw with Dundee that has dented their title bid. Having already lifted the League Cup this season, the chance to close in on more silverware has focused minds at Ibrox.

Naismith has Hearts on a fine run of form but says he doesn’t want Hearts to be satisfied with just reaching semi-finals and is urging the players to make more progress and finish the season with a trophy.

Both managers have named strong starting line-ups but if Saturday’s clash between Aberdeen and Celtic is any indication, the benches will have a major say on the outcome and there could be a long, hard-fought match ahead.

Rangers start with Jack Butland in goal behind a back four of Dujon Sterling, John Souttar, Leon Balogun and captain James Tavernier.

John Lundstram and Mohamed Diomande start in midfield, with Todd Cantwell, Rabbi Matondo and Abdallah Sima playing behind striker Cyriel Dessers.

🆕 Today’s #RangersFC team to face Hearts.

🗒️ Full Team News: https://t.co/2c2lIhJ6Z6 pic.twitter.com/LnvEcLMu4M
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) April 21, 2024

Hearts have Craig Gordon in goal, with the veteran goalkeeper having played in the previous Scottish Cup games ahead of Zander Clark.

Stephen Kingsley, Kye Rowles, Frankie Kent and Nathaniel Atkinson are the back line, while Beni Baningime and Cammy Devlin are in the centre of the team. Alan Forrest, Jorge Grant and Kenneth Vargas start behind top scorer and captain Lawrence Shankland.

📋 TEAM NEWS

Your Hearts side to face Rangers in this afternoon’s @ScottishCup semi-final! pic.twitter.com/4LjxUR7XAS
— Heart of Midlothian FC (@JamTarts) April 21, 2024