Jim Jefferies has accused Neil Lennon of lacking respect after the Celtic manager suggested Hearts gave Rangers an easy time during their 4-0 defeat at Ibrox on Saturday.
Lennon's comments came ahead of the Hoops' trip to Tynecastle on Wednesday night which could prove crucial in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title race. Rangers, who take on Dundee United at Ibrox on Tuesday night, are one point ahead of their Old Firm rivals with just two games remaining.
Hearts boss Jefferies believes his Parkhead counterpart's remarks were well wide of the mark and he told the Daily Record: "To accuse us of not trying is totally disrespectful. We were beaten because they had better players and overpowered us on the day."
He added: "The same thing happened last weekend when Dundee United went to Parkhead and lost 4-1.
"I didn't hear any shouting in the papers after that.
"We will certainly be trying on Wednesday. We are not doing it for Rangers. We are doing it for ourselves."
Lennon said on Sunday: "We have two games to go and anything can happen.
"What we're looking for is somebody to compete and give Rangers a game as there's not been much evidence of that in their two previous games."
Source: PA
