Rangers demolish Hearts

Rangers demolished Hearts 4-1 to move to within four wins of retaining their Scottish title yesterday while Neil Lennon's first match in charge of Celtic ended in a 3-1 win over Kilmarnock.

Rangers still lead the table by 10 points and have two games in hand.

Walter Smith's team bounced back from their midweek Scottish Cup quarter-final defeat at Dundee United with a ruthless display.

Danny Wilson opened the scoring for Rangers early on and Suso Santana's equaliser did little to unsettle the visitors as Kenny Miller's strike and a second half double from Steven Naismith sealed the points.

"We had to show a good desire to win the game. You are always concerned there is a bit of complacency with the lead that we have and that we might get affected by that," said Rangers boss Walter Smith.

"But we showed good desire today and the next three games we have are vitally important for us as well."

Robbie Keane scored a double as Lennon's first match in charge of Celtic ended in a 3-1 win over Kilmarnock at Parkhead.

Lennon, who has replaced the sacked Tony Mowbray after the midweek 4-0 mauling by St Mirren, was pleased with the response of his players.

"I asked for a reaction after Wednesday night and I got one," said the caretaker boss.

"I'm thrilled that we won and played in a manner that befits the club."