Gerrard left cold by Light Blues’ reaction

semi-finals in recent days. But the 38-year-old was disappointed with the performance and the result as Killie came from behind to continue their own impressive run of Premiership form.

Gerrard said: “It was not the result or the reaction I wanted after the weekend.

“It was a six or seven out of 10 and it wasn’t enough to beat a well-drilled Kilmarnock team.

“We knew the onus would be on us to provide the quality. We got the first goal which should have given us a big lift but it never.

“We continued to play slowly. It was a frustrating result and a frustrating performance.

“I can sit here and protect them all night and take the blame. If that’s what they want then I will.

“But, they are Rangers players. They are the ones who have to go out and deliver and tonight they haven’t.

“We will all take the blame together but they have to take responsibility at some point. It is a concern that it has happened a few times now.

“I know the players can play better than this. The performance wasn’t good enough. Two or three really put it in and maxed out for us but the rest weren’t at it.

“I thought it was a pretty similar performance to Sunday. Not good enough.”

Boss Gerrard made four changes to his starting line-up as Wes Foderingham, Scott Arfield, Andy Halliday and Morelos were brought back into the side.

The decision to rest keeper Allan McGregor was the biggest call that he made following a superb start to the season on his return to the club.

Foderingham was left helpless as Stewart curled home the equaliser from inside the area but he denied the striker at the death to ensure Rangers didn’t suffer their first home defeat of the campaign. Gerrard said: “Wes stopped us from actually dropping three points with a terrific save at the end.

“He has been outstanding in training the last two or three weeks.”