Gary McAllister: "This Is A Really Big Game For Us"

GARY McAllister insists the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final fixture against Livingston is of massive importance to the squad.

The Rangers assistant coach spoke to the press today ahead of the team’s cup tie against the West Lothian side on Wednesday night at Ibrox, and hopes the opportunity to reach the National Stadium for a semi-final is one which inspires his charges.

He said: “[The cup] is massive for us. I really have to emphasise the point that this is a really big game for us against Livingston.

“With the incentive of getting to Hampden and to get back there for a cup final, it’s a big game for us and we’re being very diligent in our preparations for this one.

“Some people may have the observation that it may be the least of our priorities but that’s not the case.

“We want to continue the way this club has won things over the years, but first and foremost, we’ve got to get through this tie and get to Hampden to the semi-final.”

McAllister continued by reflecting on Sunday’s league performance against Motherwell and underlined where the Gers are looking to improve as they progress further into the season.

He added: “I think that we bossed most of the game and we had good possession.

“I thought taking positives from the game, the first half we played some really exciting football that was good on the eye, but I would mirror some of the manager's words after the game. I thought that we needed a bit more devilment in our finishing and belief.

“I thought we played some great football towards the box, but we just needed a bit more hunger and desire to score.

“It's about having that togetherness and an organisation level; it’s the fine detail and that’s what we have been pressing onto the backline but also all over the pitch.

“We have to get back and concentrate but look after the fine details.

“We have to continue to find ways to break our opponents down and get the ball wide, to two players who are probably second to none. However, they can’t just be a one trick pony, it’s something that comes up when you play against lots of defenders in a team that defends very well.”

Rangers take on Livingston at Ibrox tomorrow night in the quarter-final of the Premier Sports Cup and tickets are available HERE.

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