Shape-up message to Rangers players

Ryan Jack insists Rangers remain united despite enduring the most bruising week of Steven Gerrard’s Ibrox reign so far.

Rangers have now gone three games without a win after last Thursday’s Europa League stalemate with Spartak Moscow was followed with defeat to Aberdeen in the Betfred Cup semifinals and Wednesday night’s Ladbrokes Premiership draw with Kilmarnock.

Gerrard has already warned his players he is ready to bring in new recruits if they prove incapable of leading the Light Blues to silverware.

Jack has echoed that blunt message, warning his colleagues that they will be “left behind” if they do not shape up.

But the midfielder believes the collective spirit in the first-team dressing room remains strong enough to see his side out of their slump.

He said: “We are a team. We win together, draw together, lose together. There’s no pointing fingers in our dressing room, saying ‘it’s your fault’. Collectively, we are all together.

“If we win, we celebrate together. If we lose, we move on together. The last two games have been frustrating but I’m sure everything will be all right if we stick together.

“The manager’s warning was just motivation for the players to realise that every day you need to be on top of your game. Every match at this club demands standards. You need to be at the top of your game every day in training or you get left behind.”

Gerrard had demanded a reaction to Rangers’ sorry showing against the Dons at Hampden on Sunday and the initial signs against Killie looked good as Alfredo Morelos swept them ahead after just nine minutes.

But the upturn did not last long as Greg Stewart quickly levelled for Steve Clarke’s visitors.

That left an obviously exasperated Gerrard to confess he cannot keep taking the blame for his side if they do not take responsibility themselves.

Jack is well aware Wednesday night’s showing was not good enough. He added: “We have a chance on Saturday against St Mirren to put the last two games to bed and put it right.”