THE resurrection of Rangers continues apace.

A side utterly bereft of confidence just a few short weeks ago, is belatedly beginning to show signs of life once more. This was their third victory in succession under new manager Stuart McCall, the result lifting them three points above a Hibernian side currently enduring their own personal crisis and into second place in the SPFL Championship. With just six games of the regular season remaining, Rangers are finding form at the right time.

They were well worthy of this victory over a Hearts side dealt an away defeat for the first time this season. It is sometimes difficult to measure the strength of any performance when the opposition has nothing to play for - Hearts wrapped up the championship weeks ago - but, regardless, there was plenty to admire in Rangers' play. In front of their second-biggest crowd of the season, there was a focus, determination and confidence about McCall's players too often absent earlier in the campaign. Two goals in the first half from Kenny Miller and Haris Vuckic laid the foundations for the victory, although Rangers still had to survive some late pressure when Hearts got a goal back with eight minutes remaining. That sparked the visitors' first real dominant spell of the game as they poured men forward at will in the hope of producing an equaliser. The Rangers of earlier in the season would likely have capitulated and conceded again but this time they held firm to record what could prove to be a vital result.

It did not help their cause that they had to play the entirety of the second half with just 10 men after Lee McCulloch was sent off needlessly shortly before half-time. McCulloch has acquired the nickname Elbows from fans of other clubs for his rather unconventional way of contesting high balls and he was at it again here, slamming an arm into Osman Sow's head as they both went up for a header. Referee Bobby Madden initially waved play on but went straight to McCulloch to show a red card once play had broken down. With Rangers two goals to the good at that point, and the challenge taking place not far from the halfway line, it was a completely thoughtless act. They will now be without their captain for a third of their remaining games.

Rangers haven't been praised for the aesthetic quality of their football too often this season but both their goals were easy on the eye. The first after 28 minutes began with Nicky Law driving forward before feeding the onrushing Lee Wallace. The full-back in turn fired across an enticing pass that was swept home confidently first time by Miller.

There was plenty to admire about Rangers' second goal 10 minutes later as well. Law was again involved, finding Dean Shiels who worked a pass through to Vuckic on the edge of the box. From there it was all about the Slovenian's technique as he took a step inside to shake off Kevin McHattie before curling an effort into the corner of Neil Alexander's net. The terms of the deal struck to bring five Newcastle United players on loan may continue to produce a disbelieving shake of the head but in Vuckic there is no doubt Rangers have temporary ownership of a very gifted forward. It was a surprise, then, that it was he who was sacrificed when McCall stuck on Bilel Mohsni to bolster his defence following McCulloch's red card.

This wasn't the anniversary party Hearts would have had in mind. Relegated exactly a year ago to the day, the subsequent rebuilding of the club both on and off the park has been both quick and effective. There was absolutely no pressure on them here with the championship secured weeks ago but they didn't want to lose this one; not here, not now. Beating Rangers at Ibrox on the opening day had set the tone for what was to follow for both clubs, and having come this far without losing away from home, they didn't want to give Rangers that slim sliver of satisfaction so late in the campaign. Neilson had set his players targets of points and goals in their remaining games but this was more about maintaining pride and doling out another reminder to Rangers just who the leading team in the division has been this year. This was a day, however, when their hosts just wanted it more.

Even with the extra man, Hearts did not really pressurise Rangers until late in the game. They had created a few chances in the first half; a Jamie Walker effort that whizzed wide, an Alim Ozturk thundering free kick punched away unconvincingly by Cammy Bell, and a Walker shot saved at the near post after Bell had fluffed a kick out, the best of those opportunities.

It was a surprise, then, that there was not more of a reaction from the visitors following the resumption of play. They enjoyed more of the possession but beyond an Ozturk thrash over the top, and a hopeful Osman Sow bash, it wasn't quite the all-out cavalry charge that had been expected. Instead the better opportunities continued to fall to Rangers. The impressive Law scooted down the line before feeding an unmarked Nicky Clark who could only dribble a shot into Alexander's arms, before the goalkeeper denied Miller at his near post.

Hearts, though, did find a way through eight minutes from time. Ozturk sent over an enticing cross and, although Bell saved Sow's header, the rebound fell to Genero Zeefuik who tapped in. That sparked a tense conclusion but Rangers held on to maintain their recent momentum.