Rangers v Hearts, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Goodwin in focus

The Scottish Premiership title race continues to deliver fascinating twists and turns, while the battles for European spots, top-six places and to pull clear of the bottom remain hugely compelling.

Heart of Midlothian’s late Edinburgh derby triumph on Tuesday, coupled with Rangers’ draw in Motherwell, kept the Tynecastle side beyond touching distance of either Old Firm side.

Falkirk have strengthened their grip on a top-six berth, while Livingston lost further ground on Kilmarnock and Dundee above them.

A last-gasp goal from Stephen Welsh, on loan to Motherwell from Celtic, denied Rangers the opportunity to unseat Hearts at the league summit when they head to Ibrox on Sunday.

The 1-1 draw at Fir Park leaves Danny Rohl’s side five points adrift of the pace-setters from Gorgie.

Time and again, Hearts’ mettle has been questioned. And, at every turn, they have come up with the answers.

Having lost to St Mirren, they faced a Hibernian side thirsting to inflict more damage on their rivals’ title bid but found their way to another derby winner in the dying embers.

Hearts continue to heap pressure upon the Glasgow two. They have beaten Rangers and Celtic at Tynecastle and in their respective strongholds at the other end of the M8.

A draw would do for Derek McInnes and his team. However, Hearts know, and have shown, they have what it takes to prevail in Govan.

Rohl has resurrected a sinking ship at Ibrox and his January additions look well chosen.

Celtic signings have made a habit of fanfare this season.

Kelechi Iheanacho, Junior Adamu and, now, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have netted late winners on their debuts.

Oxlade-Chamberlain is the highest profile of the lot. The former England midfielder had not played a competitive match since his final outing for Besiktas in May before bending in a fabulous strike to sink Livingston in the 92nd minute on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old has clear pedigree. “A very, very, very, very fine player,” was interim manager Martin O’Neill’s assessment.

Questions were asked about his readiness to contribute amid familiar ire about the Celtic board’s transfer strategy.

While Oxlade-Chamberlain can do little to address the latter gripe, he certainly calmed the former.

Just two months ago, Dundee United dispatched Wilfried Nancy’s Celtic at Tannadice to move within four points of fifth place. Things were looking up after an oscillating first half of the campaign.

In the seven league games since, Jim Goodwin’s side have won a single match, against basement dwellers Livingston.

In fact, those victories against the champions and the bottom side are United’s only triumphs since late October, a run of two wins in 15 matches.

Their assignment on Saturday is among the toughest in the top flight – a trip to high-flying Falkirk, who already look to have earned an unassailable foothold in the top six.

Celtic, Hearts and St Mirren are the only teams to emerge with three points from the Falkirk Stadium this season.

Goodwin and his players are in danger of being mired in a relegation fight, perched as they are five points clear of 11th-placed Kilmarnock, albeit with two games in hand.

St Mirren and Dundee are two points behind United having played a game more. Only the bottom two have conceded more goals.

Goodwin did not mince his words after watching his team’s late collapse to Hibs at Easter Road last Wednesday, a 2-1 lead dissolving into a 3-2 defeat in stoppage time, with both goals the product of balls into the box.

“Defensively pathetic at times,” was the manager’s verdict.

With the midweek visit of Aberdeen postponed, Goodwin has had a few more days to stew on that defeat.