Rae urges Gers to focus on Europe

Rangers players need to put the frustrations of Sunday’s 4-0 Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Celtic behind them to focus on securing European football, according to former player Alex Rae.

Midfielder Andy Halliday vented his rage as he took his place among the substitutes after boss Graeme Murty replaced him with Josh Windass just before the break and with the Hoops ahead through goals by Tom Rogic and Callum McGregor.

Midfielder Daniel Candeias walked straight up the Hampden tunnel in the 52nd minute when he was hooked for defender Bruno Alves, after centre back Ross McCrorie had been sent off for conceding a penalty which Parkhead striker Moussa Dembele converted.

Celtic midfielder Olivier Ntcham scored the fourth from the spot to compound a miserable day for Gers and there were reports that Greg Docherty and team-mate Alfredo Morelos had a heated exchange at full-time. Rae, who played for Rangers between 2004 and 2006, was unimpressed by the theatrics and insists the Light Blues – who lead third-placed Aberdeen on goal difference – need to make sure of clinching a Europa League spot.

He said: “When you look at the manner in which they lost, it is understandable that players were upset but for me it doesn’t look good when you have players shouting from the bench and players walking down the tunnel, arguing coming off the pitch.

“As a former player myself I have argued with many players, it is how they react to this and whether they can turn this around.

“They have a big game at Ibrox on Sunday against Hearts and Europe becomes an issue if they don’t get second or third because if Motherwell win the Scottish Cup, then fourth place doesn’t get that.”

Angry man: Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday lets his feelings be known after his substitution on Sunday