Derek McInnes insists his Rangers team is not short of character as he responded to defender Olwethu Makhanya's claims.

Following Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Hearts, Makhanya - who headed an 89th-minute equaliser - said there was a "lack of character" in the team at the start of the second half and Hearts "showed more desire" and were "outworking" Rangers as they turned the game on its head.

As he prepares for the League Cup semi-final against Aberdeen on Saturday, McInnes said: "I got told about Makha's comments. There was a period in the game where it looked as if we were second best.

"The running stats will tell you we weren't, but I think it's too easy to point fingers at character, and that's a word that gets bandied about.

"We've got plenty of character. We've shown that already this season, with character to bounce back and get a result (on Wednesday) night when it looked as if we weren't going to get that.

"The lads never give up. There's a real determination and sheer will about them. But at times in the game, we have to acknowledge that we weren't good enough, both technically and physically.

"I thought we were getting outmuscled at times and not getting to the break of the ball quick enough and a bit slow to anticipate, we were more reacting to things.

"I thought Hearts were on the front foot a wee bit more, ready to play the way the game was playing.

"Sometimes it can come across that way. We're learning about these boys on the job, and the experiences will hopefully help us."