Neil McCann
Former Rangers winger on BBC Sportsound

It is a long road back for Hearts now.

Danilo is making runs in behind, Sima is charging at people - it is a different beast for Hearts.

As soon as Scott Wright received that ball, he seemed destined to score after doing so from a similar position in Rangers' Scottish Cup final win over Hearts in 2022.

The goals have brought Hearts out of their shell and, although Rangers are in a comfortable position, the excitement level has ramped up.

Jack Butland to Rangers rescue.

Stephen Kingsley unleashes with that wand of a left foot, but the full-back's excellent curling drive is touched over at full stretch by the former England goalkeeper.

Neil McCann
Former Hearts and Rangers winger on BBC Sportsound

We did say that goal might force Hearts into being a bit more adventurous, which would open up a bit more space and it has done just that.

Hearts look to respond immediately and, from a corner, Frankie Kent's powerful header is pushed wide by goalkeeper Jack Butland.

Craig Levein
Former Hearts manager on BBC Sportsound

Zander Clark has made the decision the ball is going down the middle, so he stands still.

I wonder if Clark was a little slow to come off his line when Danilo went down, but the Hearts defenders were culpable as well.

Neil McCann
Former Rangers winger on BBC Sportsound

I think what Tavernier does really well is that he mixes his penalties up.

I think he has made keepers worry about that one down the middle, so Clark takes a guess that it was going to go that way.

Moments after Rangers cry for a penalty when a Sam Lammers shot strikes the arm of Jorge Grant, they have another.

Danilo goes down as he and goalkeeper Zander Clark raced for the same ball and a VAR check confirms referee's Nick Walsh's initial decision.

Neil McCann
Former Rangers winger on BBC Sportsound

I didn't think it was working with Cantwell off the right.

Wright will get at people. He is a lot more direct than Cantwell from that position, so the change is a positive one.

Rangers get the second half under way, but who will be first to bite with a goal in this League Cup semi-final?

For all the pre-match fireworks, both official and unofficial (read illegal), this semi-final has still to ignite. Let's hope the sparks fly in the second 45 - only on the field of play please!

Andy Campbell
BBC Scotland at Hampden Park

Winger Scott Wright replaces midfielder Todd Cantwell at half-time for Rangers.

In case you're wondering how today's Premiership game is going, Dundee have just beaten Livingston for the second time in just over a week thanks to a Luke McCowan strike.

That puts the hosts level on points with Hearts, but they have a cup on their minds at the moment.

You can get reaction to that here.

Image source, SNS

Neil McCann
Former Rangers winger on BBC Sportsound

This is where the Rangers centre-backs have to play with a little bit of anticipation.

If they are taking a lot of risks by pushing both full-backs up, the pace of Vargas and the intelligence and goal threat of Shankland still exists.

They need to play with a bit of a safety valve and make sure they do not switch off defensively.

I think if it is a foot race between Vargas and Balogun, Vargas will win.

Craig Levein
Former Hearts manager on BBC Sportsound

The game plan has panned out the way Steven Naismith will have hoped.

Yes, Rangers have dominated, but they're throwing crosses in. Hearts have an aerial and numerical advantage in the box and they've dealt with that reasonably well.

One quick clearance or pass over the top is the biggest chance they have of getting anything from the game.

I can't see Naismith changing it if the score remains 0-0.

Tom English
BBC Scotland's chief sports writer on Sportsound

Rangers have been sort of wasteful but totally dominant. Hearts are just trying to contain. They aren't offering anything else.

Their use of the ball hasn't been anywhere near good enough. They're not really in the game.

Steven Naismith will be happy that it's 0-0 but concerned that, if it continues like this, they'll lose this game.

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland at Hampden

Hearts will be by far the happier side with the half-time score. Rangers have played well, dominated the ball for large spells and, in Abdallah Sima, have had a constant source of worry for the Hearts backline.

Up the other end, by contrast, the Rangers defence has had precious little to do, never mind goalkeeper Jack Butland, a virtual spectator.

You have to admire the organisation and determination of those in maroon - their containment job has worked up until now. They need much more of a threat up front, however, with Shankland and Vargas unable to make an impact thus far.

We're intriguingly poised at the half-way stage.

Andy Campbell
BBC Scotland at Hampden Park

This time last week, Hearts were sitting on a 1-0 lead at Ibrox and had survived a penalty. Counter attack was the name of the game and that suited them.

So far today, they have had to be more measured and patient to see if that one big opportunity arises.

Rangers, unlike most of last Sunday, are not chasing the game, but their patience is being tested by their own profligacy and goalkeeper Zander Clark.

Image source, SNS