Friday 29 September 2017 23:24, UK
Rangers boss Pedro Caixinha thanked his players for their show of support in a 4-1 win over Hamilton on Friday.
Caixinha's position has come under fresh scrutiny since last week's loss to Celtic and another set-back against Accies might have placed his future in considerable doubt.
However, Gers recovered from Hamilton's first-minute opener to claim victory and there was a clear display of unity after wideman Daniel Candeias netted their third goal.
He made a bee-line for his manager before dragging Caixinha into the team's celebrations - and it was a gesture the Portuguese appreciated.
"I can express that in a word that for me is very important - gratitude," said Caixinha, who cut a subdued figure for most of the match.
"You bring me to be here, you bring me to Rangers, as the Rangers manager, I am going to give everything to you, give my life to you. I'm a man of principal so I appreciate the gratitude from Daniel.
"I said that we really need to know what they are made of. I know what they are made of. I sent this challenge to them and they said yes, we are here to play for Rangers, to play for us - and to play for you because you bring us here."
The victory put a positive slant on yet another day of drama at Ibrox after it had emerged Caixinha had banished Kenny Miller from his squad.
According to reports, the boss blames the veteran for a series of dressing room leaks in the wake of their Old Firm disappointment.
But Caixinha was in no mood to discuss the dispute after the match.
"Look, I think it's totally disrespectful to keep asking about Kenny Miller," he said. "The 20 boys who were here tonight were fantastic. We are here to talk about this match. Kenny was not here because I did not pick him."
Hamilton boss Martin Canning admitted his side had made it far to easy.
He said: "We started the game really well and got the goal early.
"From there, we had a crazy 15-minute spell where we seemed to switch off mentally. We make too many individual mistakes and it ends up costing us.
"We have talked so much this week about the concentration you have to have against the top teams. Have your concentration, have your focus.
"Too many tonight switch off at crucial moments and good teams punish you."
