Some players have “downed tools” Rankin calls for strength of character ahead of Dundee United’s clash with Hearts By Dave Lord February 19 2016, 4:03pm February 19 2016, 4:03pm Share Some players have “downed tools” Rankin calls for strength of character ahead of Dundee United’s clash with Heart... Share via Facebook Twitter Linkedin Whatsapp Messenger Email Post link https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-united/245825/some-players-have-downed-tools-rankin-calls-for-strength-of-character-ahead-of-dundee-uniteds-clash-with-hearts/ Copy Link Rankin wants his fellow players to give 100%. Too many Dundee United players have “downed tools”, according to midfielder John Rankin. Looking ahead to Saturday’s crucial clash with Hearts he said it was time for everyone in a Tangerine shirt to put in maximum effort. Speaking just days after chairman Stephen Thompson apologised for the “abysmal” performance against Motherwell on Tuesday a game United lost 3-0 Rankin called for his fellow players to show “strength of character”. With his team 13 points adrift at the bottom, Rankin is well aware fans expect better. “There are players in there that will wholly admit that things are not going their way, and when it is that way they down tools,” he told STV. “The situation we are in, it’s not acceptable and heads do go down.” ”You try and grab players by the scruff of the neck. “We need strength of character at this moment in time. People who will stand up and fight. “We need every player giving 100%. Letting your head drop is unacceptable.” * For more on the build-up to the Hearts game don’t miss Saturday’s Courier, also available as adigital edition.