Key Rangers player back in training ahead of Hearts game but fresh injury doubt emerges

Rommens has not featured for Rangers in their past two matches due to a thigh issue, but has taken part in first-team sessions this week and could be in contention for the trip to Tynecastle.

Rangers are four points behind Premiership leaders Hearts with just four rounds of fixtures remaining. The return of Rommens, a January signing from Westerlo, would be a boost for his head coach Danny Rohl given he has been one of their most influential players during the second half of the season.

Rohl also gave an update on German striker Ryan Naderi, who also has a muscle injury. “Tuur Rommens is back in training, as is Ryan Naderi, but we will see if they are both fit for Monday,” said Rohl during Friday’s pre-match press conference.

Asked if Rommens can face Hearts, Rohl replied: “Let’s see.”

Rangers expect a stern examination of their title credentials against Hearts after their surprise 3-2 defeat by Motherwell last month. “Tynecastle is a tough place to go, and we are expecting a hard game,” continued Rohl. “We need now, in the next four games, good performances that are over 100 per cent we cannot go below that. In October, we were a long way away, but now we have four finals to go.

“We were very disappointed after Sunday. Coming back in on Monday, everyone was very positive, and we just need to keep going because we still all believe.

“Both teams are under pressure, and I'm sure Hearts will try everything to win, but we will do everything and more to win as well. The result is the only important thing. We need a good start in the game and keep hunting until the end.”

Rohl also confirmed that defender John Souttar is nursing a knee knock, but he is expected to be in the squad for the match against his former club.