Rangers defender Nikola Katic has admitted that Hearts striker Uche Ikpeazu offered him a tough challenge at Tynecastle, but is pleased with how he handled the 24-year-old's threat.
Katic lined up alongside Connor Goldson for the Scottish Premiership clash and helped Rangers claim a 3-1 win away at Craig Levein's men.
Ikpeazu was an attacking threat for Hearts and clocked all 90 minutes during the encounter – and Katic admits the former Crewe Alexandra hitman gave him a difficult challenge.
"He was really tough and in every challenge he was on my back", Katic told his club's official site.
"It is really hard to compete with him, but I think Connor and I did a really good job against him and we are happy with that in the end."
Injury has interrupted the 24-year-old's season this term and the striker has only clocked 15 appearances in the Scottish Premiership.
Hearts will be looking for Ikpeazu to continue to build up his rhythm ahead of a meeting with Celtic in the Scottish Cup final.
Next up for Rangers is a Scottish Premiership meeting against Aberdeen, before subsequent home games against Hibernian and Celtic.
The Gers end the season at Kilmarnock.
