Final redemption
Rangers go the distance again but this time Van Bronckhorst gets hands on first silverware Pages 76-79
Scottish Cup final special as Gers lift trophy
GIOVANNI van Bronckhorst last night l auded his Rangers’ players character after watching them bounce back from their Europa League final heartache and beat Hearts to lift the Scottish Cup.
The Ibrox club defeated their Tynecastle rivals 2-0 after extra-time at Hampden yesterday thanks to goals from Ryan Jack and Scott Wright.
The victory, their first in the national cup competition since 2009, came just three days after they were beaten on penalties by Eintracht Frankfurt in Seville.
Van Bronckhorst, who secured his first trophy as Rangers manager, was impressed with the mentality and energy of James Tavernier and his team-mates in the wake of their devastating midweek loss.
“It means a lot,” he said. “It’s always good to win prizes. I’m proud to end the season with a trophy, which is a real positive.
“For the players, it’s a reward for all the hard work over the months.
“I’m happy with the performance. In extra-time we looked strong again and we could feel the game going our way. There was so much desire today, no tiredness.
“It’s been a demanding week. We had the build up to the Europa League final in difficult circumstances. Then mentally the loss was big, because we lost on penalties.
“We flew back and had to say farewell to Jimmy (Rangers kit man Bell). We trained in the afternoon then had our meeting for the game. I told them it was a chance to win something.
“We had to look forward after Wednesday and move on. That’s what they did today, their hard work has been rewarded with a trophy.”
Van Bronckhorst added: “We have character in this team. In difficult moments we rise up and go again.
“It’s important that when we’re down we always have the support of our fans and we come back stronger. To end the week with a trophy is very positive.”