SEVILLE’S JUST THE START

Tav vows Gers will use Euro hurt

BY

JAMES TAVERNIER last night vowed Rangers will emerge stronger than ever from their Seville sickener and insisted Europa League heartbreak can inspire them to new heights.

The Ibrox captain issued the rallying call as he bids to lift the spirits of his devastated team-mates after their cruel loss on penalties to Eintracht Frankfurt.

But Gio van Bronckhorst’s troops don’t have long to wallow in their agony.

Their weary limbs will be pressed back into action tomorrow afternoon as they look to salvage their season by beating Hearts in the Scottish Cup final.

But Tavernier believes the hurt from the defeat in Spain can fire them to victory at Hampden and spark a golden era for his side.

He said: “This is not the end of us. This is the start of something special with this team. We have to use this as fuel, especially for this weekend and we have a very important game.

“I know everyone in the changing room will give 110 per cent to pick up a trophy and finish off the season.

“It’s the last game of the season and I know every single one of the boys will be firing up when that whistle comes. We want to be building from this to make the fans proud and really push on from this moment.

“With the squad that we’ve got, we’re always going to continue to build on it and bring players in.

“The manager said he lost the World Cup Final but it’s football. It’s very hard to take but it’s got to make you stronger and we’ll be back fighting. We want to be in these games, playing against the best in Europe.”

Aaron Ramsey (inset) was the fall guy at the Ramon Sanchez-pizjuan Stadium after he had his penalty turned away by Kevin Trapp but Tavernier said he “couldn’t be more proud” of him for stepping up. He added: “We’re all round him. We’ve got great experience in the dressing room and we’re all round each other.”

Tomorrow’s showdown against Robbie Neilson’s side could well be the last outing in blue for several of those experienced stars.

Veterans Allan Mcgregor and Steven Davis are out of contract, as is Connor Goldson who looks to be on his way after talks on a deal stalled.

There is uncertainty too over the futures of Joe Aribo, Ryan Kent and talisman Alfredo Morelos.