The defender's late equaliser—an impressive looping header—rescued a point for the visitors after a quick-fire Hearts double had put the hosts in front for much of the second half.

However, it was Makhanya's defensive display that particularly impressed his manager.

McInnes admitted that Makhanya had to be at his best because his teammates were not as assured, and he was pleased to see him rise to the challenge.

He said: "No, you're right to mention him.

"I thought he was outstanding and he had to be because we weren't as assured around him at times.

"I thought he was terrific."

Makhanya's goal was his second in two matches from set plays, a contribution McInnes sees as crucial.

He acknowledged the need for Rangers to add this aspect to their play.

McInnes noted the risk both teams took by committing to a formation he described as effectively a 4-4-2, and praised Hearts' wider players for their influence on the game.

In his overall assessment of the match, McInnes expressed disappointment that Rangers, having taken the lead, did not show more authority.

He said: "I think when you go in front at a place like this, we're disappointed we never showed more authority in the game."

He acknowledged that control is hard to come by at Tynecastle, but was critical of his young forward line for not securing the ball enough.

He praised the combination play that led to Rangers' first goal, but noted the need to win the second ball in a high-pressing game like this.

Hearts, he said, were able to feed their wider and forward players too often, and their forward players were better at looking after the ball.

He was critical of his team's repeated conceding of free-kicks, and was disappointed that, going into half-time, they gave up a lot of control of the game.

McInnes credited Hearts for having the better players on the night and admitted his side did not start the second half well.

He criticised the cheap free-kick that led to Claudio's goal, and the loss of possession that allowed Hearts to capitalise.

However, he was pleased with how his team grew into the game in the last 15 to 20 minutes, as Hearts tired and the spaces grew larger.

He said: "We started to play a wee bit more and we got an equaliser from a set play, which is pleasing.

"From that point of view, we deserved our point."

Despite feeling Rangers could have won the game at the end, he admitted it would have been harsh on Hearts, who had the better performers on the night.

He concluded: "We didn't do enough to win the game, but we worked hard.

"I think the stats will show we had more possession, more big chances and a similar number of shots on target.

"But, as I say, the better performers were in Hearts jerseys tonight."