Mark Warburton says Rangers will be back on form for the Scottish Cup final
Saturday 23 April 2016 19:59, UK
Rangers manager Mark Warburton insists his side will be switched on for their Scottish Cup final clash with Hibernian after letting Alloa spoil their Championship party at Ibrox.
The Gers, who will face Alan Stubbs' team at Hampden Park on May 21, were off the pace as they allowed the Wasps to pinch a 1-1 draw.
That came after Wednesday's 3-2 loss to Hibs and Warburton was forced to admit Rangers have suffered a hangover after beating Celtic on penalties in the Scottish Cup semi-finals last weekend.
But - after watching Gers skipper Lee Wallace lead his team-mates back onto the pitch following the draw with Alloa to collect the league trophy - the Englishman dismissed fears his side would not be able to shake off their slump by the time they take on Hibs next month.
He said: "After winning the league earlier this month, then the Petrofac Cup before what happened last Sunday, then maybe subconsciously it's a natural reaction to be a bit flat.
"We need to pick it up pretty quick - but we will do.
"It's important to get the preparation right. We'll give the lads four days off. Any longer is dangerous as they get in holiday mode.
"So four days off is enough to give them a break and recharge. Then we'll get them back in, have a friendly with a Premier League side down south around May 11 to keep the boys sharp. Then we'll come back up and train. The week up to the final will be the same as always.
"I think it is important to finish on a high. Obviously Hibs will say the same thing.
"We will prepare well and deliver a performance hopefully.
"We absolutely want to finish on a high and there is European football at stake too. That is a big plus for the club so we will be all out to win the trophy, that's for sure."
Rangers fell behind after eight minutes when Michael Duffy scored for the visitors but James Tavernier headed home his 15th goal of the season on the stroke of half-time to level, with the right-back beating club favourites John Greig and Sandy Jardine's previous Gers scoring record for a defender.
Former captain and boss Greig - who found himself estranged from the club after a fall-out with the previous Ibrox hierarchy - was back on the pitch to present the current crop of players with their winner's medals and Warburton said: "It was special to have John here because of his standing and status within the club - and the way he interacts with the players.
"Tav broke his record today and it took him about a second to remind John of that fact. But John's reaction was tremendous.
"He imparts his knowledge and wisdom on the players all the time. It was fantastic to see him on the pitch giving out the medals.
"He also knows what this club is all about and he's excellent at passing things on when new players arrive at Rangers."
