SAYS PEDRO CAIXINHA

GAVIN BERRY

PEDRO CAIXINHA is more ready than ever to embrace the challenge of Rangers as he defended his players for their last-gasp Firhill hug-in.

The Ibrox boss is plotting a summer overhaul after a pitiful campaign that could see his side end the season 40 points behind champions Celtic.

He knows the scale of the challenge – not least because Walter Smith has been on hand in recent weeks to remind him of the great expectations of the Rangers fans.

Caixinha clinched Europa League football for the new campaign against Partick Thistle last Sunday, with Joe Garner’s injury-time winner in the 2-1 victory sparking scenes of joy among players and supporters.

That provoked criticism but it only served to remind Caixinha of the passion still coursing through the club as they prepare to entertain Hearts tomorrow.

Caixinha has already told three players, including Clint Hill and Philippe Senderos, they are surplus to requirements next season.

Discussions with others will follow next week as he clears the decks for a clutch of new arrivals in June aimed at making his squad much more competitive next time around.

Caixinha said: “I will not run away from my responsibilities. After the last Old Firm game at Ibrox I was asked if the fans were going to start judging me from the beginning of next season.

“However, I believe the man in this chair should be judged from the first day until the last.

“Nothing is going to change. I know the history from Walter Smith, whose company I have enjoyed. He won the Treble and after matchday one the next season people were asking more from him.

“Walter is fantastic to speak with. All the people connected with Rangers have given us a lot