After taking the lead through Nana Kasanwirjo on his first start since November, winger Rhys Dargie levelled up proceedings before the Gers came out on top 5-4 on penalty kicks.
Speaking to RangersTV to reflect on the night’s events, he commented: “I am proud, if you asked me at half time I probably wouldn't have been, I was a wee bit disappointed with how we performed in the first half.
“Especially out of possession just something about us wasn't right, wasn't aggressive enough.
“I was just desperate to get them in at half time to try and fix that then Celtic scored when they probably deserved it and made it a draw at half time.
“We had a bit of work to do but I thought second half we looked more like us out of possession.
“Not as much quality as I thought we should have shown but you take that away and it is a cup final and credit to the boys they found a way to win and I am proud of them.”
“Part of it I understand, I probably had a wee go at the more senior players, who I would expect more from.
“The younger players you understand there is going to be a bit of nerves with the occasion, with it being on TV, they know the manager is watching, all that sort of stuff so that is the bit that you get.
“But the senior players I was expecting a wee bit more and I told them that and credit to them as well they fixed it in the second half and they went on to win the trophy.”
The former player praised his side for standing up and being counted during the spot kicks, as they claimed the trophy for the second time in as many seasons.
He continued: “That is where the mentality bit comes in.
“They suffered probably the last 10/15 minutes of the second half.
“Few boys going down with cramp, few carrying knocks so we had to suffer and we got to the penalty shootout but we know when you get there you have got a really good goalkeeper who you trust and he produced big saves and the boys that hit the penalties showed good mentality to go and finish the job.
“There will come a point where they lose as well but it is really important at this football club that you know what winning feels like and they experienced that tonight.”
The club were also boosted by the returning Nana who played his first 45 minutes of the year after a long term knee injury, with the head coach impressed with the levels he brought to the group.
He added: “He trained with us yesterday and when first team players come down you don't really know them, you don't know the character and the mentality.
“But from the minute he started training yesterday his mentality and character was first class and he rubbed off on the younger players really well.
“I thought he performed really well in the game as well for his first 45 minutes in a long time so credit to him for that.”
RangersTV subscribers can watch the highlights in full HERE.
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