Hearts took a huge step towards becoming the first non-Old Firm side to win the Scottish Premiership since 1985 as they beat Rangers 2-1 at Tynecastle, all but ending the visitors’ title hopes.

The hosts came from behind to claim a result that sees them restore a three-point lead over Celtic at the top of the table and move seven ahead of Rangers with three games to play.

Dujon Sterling put Rangers in front in the 23rd minute, firing home after Hearts had failed to deal with a long throw into the box.

Hearts improved significantly in the second half and restored parity nine minutes into the second half, Stephen Kingsley reacting quickest after Alexandros Kyziridis had curled a low effort against the post.

And Lawrence Shankland completed the turnaround 17 minutes later, slamming home from Kingsley’s cut back to send Tynecastle into raptures.

Hearts have a tricky trip to Motherwell on Saturday, but a victory in that game combined with a Rangers win over Celtic in Sunday’s Old Firm clash would leave Derek McInnes’ men needing just a point to claim their first league title since 1960.