While Makhanya’s late header salvaged a result, he made clear that Rangers’ problems ran deeper than the scoreline. The South African questioned the team’s mentality and accused his side of being second best in the key battles, suggesting Hearts showed greater desire, intensity and work rate throughout the second half.

Makhanya also highlighted Rangers’ inability to manage the game, with sloppy possession and self-inflicted mistakes handing momentum to the hosts. His frank verdict places fresh scrutiny on Rangers’ consistency and leadership as McInnes looks to address concerns over character within his squad.

Our panel weigh in on the big statement from the standout Rangers star.

Olwethu Makhanya has only recently arrived at Rangers but went public over character concerns. Has he nailed a flaw in the current side?

David Irvine: "Character is not something which can be easily coached or developed. A thorough reflection on Rangers in the past few years will show you a glaring issue in their character, they've lacked in leaders, and sometimes simply in someone to call it out. Now, they have Derek McInnes who won't shirk outlining the issue and trying to correct it - to have Makhanya doing similar is a positive sign of recognition of the problem."

Blair Meikle: "Yes. Those flaws in the Rangers side were well known last season when they capitulated towards the end of the campaign, with Danny Rohl outspoken on the fact the squad needed more leaders. They have addressed that somewhat by bringing in the likes of Lawrence Shankland, Dan Neil, Makhanya and others, but it is not something you can completely fix at the drop of a hat. Derek McInnes will be looking to keep making improvements in that regard."

Graeme Young: "A class defender who also appears top level at self-diagnosis. Rangers appear to have a better reputation than their points total deserves. It would be fair to say tactics were their biggest undoing, but character concerns have gone back years. If a current standout reckons that was the reason behind Hearts' turnaround, then it's wise to take heed."

Do you reckon Makhanya was getting at individual players or the collective at Rangers?

David Irvine: "Makhanya repeated the team issue in his post-match comments, so clearly to the public he wasn't singling anyone out. To be fair, I think it was largely a comment representative of a whole team issue and not a criticism of any one individual. I'd be surprised if he wasn't calling out individuals in the dressing room, though."

Blair Meikle: "I would guess more on the collective, but he will be hoping his team-mates take heed of his comments. They were likely made for that reason. However, Emmanuel Fernandez must be a frustrating partner to play alongside at centre-back, so there is every chance that if it was aimed at any individual, he would be at the front of the queue."

Graeme Young: "I reckon it was a bit of both. Rangers regressed after taking the lead against a side who roared back when on the ropes. Makhanya, and this isn't said lightly, was a one-man show in defence as Emmanuel Fernandez's knack for shooting himself in the foot returned. Djeidi Gassama's another player who could have no complaint if Makhanya was pointing the finger directly at him."

Do you think Derek McInnes will be irked by his star man's public claim or like the accountability shown by the South African?

David Irvine: "This is something right up McInnes' street. The Rangers manager veers towards the more old-school style manager so will certainly have had team-mates who have done similar, or more intense within the dressing room. McInnes needs winners, so having his players self-identify a crucial issue will be welcomed with open arms - but fixing it is a whole other challenge."

Blair Meikle: "I can't see McInnes having an issue with it. In fact, he was probably pleased. McInnes loves Makhanya, that has been clear to see, and he was full of praise for him again after the game. If McInnes shares the view that there needs to be an improvement in character, then he will surely be happy to see the leaders in his team being honest about it and calling it out. When it is identified in such frank terms, it can then be addressed."

Graeme Young: "I think McInnes would have loved it. He's found a player who looks brilliant every time he steps onto the pitch and appears to also possess a winning streak. Makhanya was hardly going scorched earth on his pals. He was merely identifying a near-fatal flaw which reared its head during Hearts' second-half blitz before he himself saved the day."