The midfielder says the opportunity to compete for silverware was a major attraction in his move to Glasgow, but knows Gers must first overcome an Aberdeen side equally determined to progress.
Speaking to the media ahead of the semi-final, Neil said: “That is a big reason why I came up here but to have any chance of winning silverware, you have to win the game on Saturday. The full focus is on Aberdeen.
“Any team can be dangerous on the day. They’ve got good players and when we played them at Pittodrie, it was a really tough game.
“Obviously, we walked away with the three points, but they definitely gave as good as they got that day.
“It’s almost a bit of a one-off game, because league form kind of goes out the window. It’s their big chance to get to a final, as well as ours.
“We have to respect their qualities and make sure we prepare well for them.”
Neil believes the opportunity to challenge for an early trophy can provide added momentum for the squad.
He continued: “I think it’s really important for the momentum and any time you’ve got a chance of potentially getting your hands on silverware, it’s a chance that you have to take.
“We’ve got a really good chance of doing that early in the season, which could springboard a bit of momentum in our favour.
“But again, we have to get through Saturday’s game before we even think about silverware, so we’ll focus on that and hopefully come out with a win.”
The vice-captain is preparing for his first visit to Hampden and says it would be a proud moment to lead Rangers out at the national stadium.
He added: “I’m really looking forward to seeing the venue. I’ve been told it’s a very big pitch. I’m looking forward to it, and all the lads are as well.
“There’s plenty of lads in the team that have played on big stages as well. We’ll all be there for each other going into the game on Saturday and try to deal with the occasion as best we can.
“It’s certainly not going to be an easy game. Aberdeen are going to want to get to the final themselves."