Neilson not thinking about Rangers

The former Gers striker, 52, had handed in his resignation earlier in the month and although he insisted he would see out his 12-month notice period in situ, he was placed on garden leave on Sunday night, just hours before the cash-strapped Govan club's rancorous AGM at Ibrox.

Rangers confirmed that assistant manager Kenny McDowall will take over until the end of the season but speculation surrounding McCoist's permanent replacement, in addition to continuing off-field problems at the club, will do little to bolster faltering title hopes.

Hearts have the chance to increase their lead over the Light Blues to 12 points when they travel to Cowdenbeath on Tuesday night and it is only that opportunity which occupies the thoughts of Neilson.

"I didn't pay a lot of attention to it to be honest with you," the former Tynecastle defender told Hearts TV when asked about McCoist leaving.

"Things have been going on there (Rangers) for a long time but it doesn't really affect us.

"I am just preparing for our game tomorrow night. That is the main thing for us.

"So it's not a focus for me. Things have been happening there for a long time and it is a difficult environment to be in but it has no influence at all on what we do here."