Big boost for the Gers — a crucial Hearts player is banned for the clash, while two others could also miss out

Hearts will be without an important figure for their upcoming Premiership clash with Rangers, as defender Harry Milne has been hit with suspension.

Milne collected his sixth league booking of the season during Sunday’s 2–1 win over Celtic at Parkhead, triggering an automatic one-match Scottish FA ban.

The yellow card, shown after 37 minutes for pulling back Hyunjun Yang, means the left-back will miss the meeting with Rangers at Tynecastle on 21 December.

The 26-year-old has been a constant starter under Derek McInnes, making 20 appearances this season and emerging as a key part of the Edinburgh side’s structure.

He will still be eligible to face Falkirk this Saturday, as suspensions take effect seven days after the sixth caution is issued.

However, he will be unavailable when Rangers visit four days before Christmas—an absence that is understood to be frustrating for both the player and the coaching staff.

Hearts could face further selection worries ahead of that game. Midfielder Cammy Devlin and winger Alexandros Kyziridis are both sitting on five bookings, meaning either would miss the Rangers match if they are cautioned against Falkirk.

Milne played a major role in Hearts’ impressive victory over Celtic.

The opening goal arrived two minutes before the interval when Lawrence Shankland’s cross was partially cleared, Kyziridis headed the ball back into the box, and a defensive hesitation allowed Claudio Braga to turn and finish low past Kasper Schmeichel after Milne’s initial effort was scuffed.

Hearts doubled their advantage on 64 minutes when Oisin McEntee headed in Milne’s deep corner. Celtic substitute Kieran Tierney pulled one back in stoppage time, but it proved only a consolation, leaving new Hoops manager Wilfried Nancy defeated in his first match in charge.

The win—Celtic’s first home league loss of the season—moves Hearts three points clear at the top of the Premiership table.

Despite winning only one of their previous six matches, McInnes’ side combined disciplined defending with sharp counter-attacks to claim a statement victory.