Heart of Midlothian head coach Steven Naismith insists Rangers had luck on their side as they rampaged to the top of the table with some great mid-season form.

Things have slowed down for Philippe Clement's side now as the Ibrox club looks to have lost ground in the race for the title with Celtic. The Hoops are three clear of their arch-Glasgow rivals heading into the post-split fixtures. 

So, two draws and a defeat in their last three games is hardly the best form to be hitting at this time of the season for Rangers.

It's not a surprise for Hearts boss Naismith though, as he prepares to face his former employer in the Scottish Cup semi-finals this weekend.

"I think it's unexpected," the 37-year-old said. "Surprised? I'm not sure. There are some players who have been there over the years and have failed to win trophies.

"From my experiences, it's a tough club, tough environment. For any player personally though, when you win trophies it feels great. Doing it is the hard part. 

"For us, that's what we want to focus on. We want to go there. We know we're a good team, we've made good strides this season and we've got a right opportunity to go pick up this trophy next to me.

"I don't think it's something that's happened overnight. When we got beat 2-1 (at Ibrox), for 90 minutes we were winning. What we'd done in the night up until that point in the game was good. We caused them problems.

READ MORE: Rangers hero admits title race with Celtic is OVER

"I think in their run of games they've carried a bit of luck as well, at times, where they've won that game, for instance, and a couple of others. 

"They're a team that plays a certain way. Like with every team, the style might not change, but if the personnel isn't right then the way the game plays out can be slightly different. So, you take everything into consideration.

"Ultimately, it's an opportunity for two teams wanting to get to a final. We're in a good position. The last two results were good. We're going into it full of form."