Ismael Bouzid's long wait to return to the Hearts' line-up ended at Ibrox on Saturday although he wishes his return had been a happier occasion as he, and is teammates, went down 2-0 to Rangers.

The robust Algerian internationalist had a solid game at centre back, but he could not prevent Kyle Lafferty and Kenny Millar net the goals which put the Light Blues within a couple of points of the title.

For Ismael, his return to action marked an important point at the end of a frustrating period.

"The last two months have been very difficult for me as I have had to stay at the academy," he said of his injury lay-off.

"I was very happy to be back in the team as it's not easy to be out. To be back with the rest of the boys was very good for me.

"But I am not happy. Rangers are a very good team, but we play well in the first half and had the chances to score."

Ismael acknowledged that the second half did not go quite so successfully, particularly after the loss of a goal which could probably have been defended better.

"It was more difficult in the second half when they go the goal and then they got the penalty and the red card and we then had lost control of the game," the defender continued.

"It's very frustrating for us because we were very strong and for them to get the goal for the corner is very bad for us. But this is football.

"If you don't score then you don't win and take the points. I think our performance recently has been better and we have been scoring goals and that will be very good for next season."

On the race of Europe, Ismael is still confident that Hearts can play a part with fifth still a possible option for a Europa League slot, depending on Dundee United finishing third and winning the Active Nation Scottish Cup.

"We try to be positive," he said. "We've got four games with a lot of points and if we win all four games then we can do something.

"You have to take one game at a time and ok, we lose 2-0 today but we need to forget that and look forward to the next game.

"We'll enjoy our football, try to take all three points and see where we stand after the next game."

On Hearts.TV today - Catch reaction from JJ and Ismael Bouzid, and tomorrow watch all the action from Ibrox