The Gers boss was loudly booed by the Jambos support as he emerged from the tunnel for his first match back in Gorgie since leaving for Ibrox in June, months after the Edinburgh side were pipped to the William Hill Premiership title.

But his team silenced a pumped-up home crowd when Kevin Kelsy scored a 16th-minute opener following a lapse from Laurent Mendy.

The Venezuelan striker was quickest to react after Hearts failed to deal with a dangerous delivery into the box, and he showed great composure to slot beyond the helpless goalkeeper and hand Rangers an early advantage.

McInnes’ side looked comfortable for long spells of the opening half and threatened to add to their lead with several dangerous counter-attacks as Hearts struggled to find their rhythm in front of an expectant home crowd.

However, the complexion of the match changed dramatically after the break. Hearts emerged with renewed intensity and were rewarded when Claudio Braga hauled them level, sparking wild celebrations inside Tynecastle.

The hosts sensed an opportunity to make a statement and completed the turnaround just minutes later through Calvin Miller, whose finish capped a superb spell of pressure from Liam Fox’s side.

With Rangers suddenly rocking, Hearts pushed for a third goal that would have put the game beyond doubt. But the visitors refused to fold and gradually worked their way back into the contest as the clock ticked down.

Their persistence paid off with just a minute of normal time remaining when Makhanya rose highest inside the penalty area to power a header beyond the keeper and stun the home support.

The late leveller ensured the match ended all square, keeping second-placed Gers four points behind Celtic and four above the Jambos in an entertaining Edinburgh encounter that ebbed and flowed throughout.