Has ‘diamond’ Lawrence Shankland delivered his biggest moment for Hearts?

It was Shankland’s goal that won it for Hearts on Monday, but it was a half-time tweak that sparked their revival after a lacklustre first half.

They trailed 1-0 to Dujon Sterling’s deflected striker, but head coach Derek McInnes hooked Islam Chesnokov and brought on Blair Spittal – last weekend’s derby hero – to bolster his midfield.

It appeared as though Hearts went from a back four to a back three as well, although McInnes played that down post-match, focusing on the spirit his players showed.

“The way the players dug that out was magnificent,” McInnes said.

“It wasn’t a change of shape as much, it was the same as the start of the first half.

“It was a change of approach, a change of mindset, we had it all to do.

“We needed a big half-time, and thankfully we organised ourselves enough to get more confidence in the game.

“We asked the players to show more responsibility, we’re not top of the league without cause, and that we needed to start showing we were the team at the top of the league because we were miles off it first half.”

Whereas Rangers’ mentality was questioned after another slip-up, Hearts’ ability to win and their second-half turnaround was the focus of significant praise.

Spittal was instrumental in Stephen Kingsley’s equaliser, fizzing a pass out to Alexandros Kyziridis before continuing his run to drag defenders away from the Greek winger.

He cut inside and shot against the post, before Kingsley slotted home the rebound.

Then, 17 minutes later, came Shankland’s goal.

“Derek McInnes at half-time, he had the biggest team talk of his managerial career, and he got it right,” Stevenson said.

“Blair Spittal was unbelievable when he came on.

“What a result, what a performance.

“I think today’s result will win them the league, I honestly believe that.”