Hearts midfielder Cammy Devlin says he was taken aback by how defensive Rangers were at Tynecastle on Sunday.
But the Aussie insists his team can only take it as a compliment of their own ability after losing out 2-0 to the Ibrox side.
Gio van Bronckhorst 's team hit the Jambos with a killer early one-two punch as Fashion Sakala and Joe Aribo had them in control before the 15-minute mark.
Hearts rallied to find a way back into the game but were unable to beach the Rangers rearguard as the Premiership leaders saw the game out.
Devlin says he was frustrated by some of the "time-wasting" that went on, and admitted to being surprised by how defensive they were.
But he believes it just shows how strong a team Robbie Neilson has put together in Gorgie.
Speaking to the Edinburgh Evening News, Devlin said: "I think it was about 25 minutes into the game, and I know they were 2-0 up, but it was quite surprising they started to do some time-wasting.
"Not something I expected against a team like Rangers in what was my first home match against them. I was getting on at the referee because if football isn't being played then we're not going to get as many opportunities to score.
"It just shows that they think we're a good team and we certainly believe when we play with the ball we're a very good team. We practise hard during the week.
"We're in a really good spot. We're not content with being in third. We want to be higher and that's why we're so disappointed by the Rangers result.
"We went into the game wanting nothing but three points and to try to challenge higher up the table.
"It is a compliment they defended so deep. It is a tough place to come. I wouldn't want to come play here if I was an opposition player. It's just lucky I am a Hearts player.”
Rangers' win was punctuated by a late red card to Josh Ginnelly who picked up a second booking for confronting Borna Barisic.
Devlin says the winger is "angry" with himself – but would do the same again to back up his teammate.
The Aussie added: "He's a bit angry with himself, but I think he was just backing up one of his boys, which I appreciate to be honest.
"He's disappointed but I know if he wasn't on a second yellow he'd go back and do it again. I'd do the same for him. We're mates and look out for each other on the pitch, but obviously on a yellow he maybe shouldn't have done it."
