WE’VE SCOT ONE GONG LEFT LADS
SCOTS CUP 5TH ROUND REPLAY
Rangers Kilmarnock Tomorrow, 7.45pm
v STEVEN GERRARD admits the Scottish Cup is now the most realistic opportunity for Rangers to end their trophy drought.
The Gers boss is refusing to give up the chase in the Premiership despite slipping eight points behind rivals
Celtic with just 12 games to go.
But Gerrard is aware the Cup is his side’s best chance to lift a major trophy for the first time since 2011 and the Ibrox club’s season could hinge on tonight’s fifth round replay showdown with Kilmarnock.
The Light Blues boss admitted he has had to be brutally honest with his squad and refused to hide when asked if the Scottish Cup was his main road to silverware this term.
He said: “I think where we sit right you’re probably right in saying that.
“This has been a competition, even from the beginning of the season, that we’ve looked at.
“We’ve wanted to do well in the cup competitions and the last one we got to the semi finals. We were very disappointed with the outcome in that.
“Wednesday night’s an opportunity for us to put in a performance that’s good enough to set up a tie to go to Pittodrie. That’s got to be the aim.
“I can’t control people’s opinions and what people say. All I can control is my players and what we are trying to do and keep trying to take it forward to give us a better chance of success.
“We all know, as a Rangers player or manager or member of staff, you get judged on silverware. The expectation is huge here. The fans want success yesterday.
“We do as players and staff. But it’s not easy. You have to keep trying to learn and improve and work and fight and have the right mentality, that hunger that will get you it quickly.
“That’s the reason why at times I have to be truthful and honest with the players. Or brutal as you call it. Otherwise I wouldn’t be doing my job.”
I have to be brutal and honest at times or I wouldn’t be doing my job