Derek McInnes challenges Rangers side to maintain standards as League Cup triumph vs Celtic a 'reference point'
Rangers boss reckons their League Cup triumph can provide a major confidence boost for his players as growing belief in squad praised
Derek McInnes hailed Rangers’ League Cup victory over Celtic as a significant statement from his young squad - insisting the performance provided an important “reference point” for what his players can achieve.
The Light Blues delivered the kind of display McInnes had been seeking, combining discipline, quality and clinical finishing to secure a memorable 3-0 victory over their Old Firm rivals.
McInnes admitted the occasion demanded a major effort from his revamped squad, and believes they responded emphatically.
“It was the performance and result we were all looking for,” McInnes said. “The game demanded a big performance and I thought we delivered on that.
“It's a good reference point for my players. They're a young squad and they saw how much that result means to the supporters. In the main, we deserved the win and scored at the right times, something we've not been doing a lot of.”
Rangers challenged to maintain high standards
The win extended Rangers’ impressive run to seven wins in eight matches and five victories in succession, although McInnes knows there is little time to celebrate with another major test looming at Parkhead next weekend. He acknowledged the biggest challenge now is maintaining the standards that produced such a commanding victory.
He added: “We'll enjoy today but the challenge at this club is to go and do it all again next week. We had to play well because Celtic have the quality that can change the game in a heartbeat.
“It doesn't guarantee anything, we've got to try and do it all again, and probably a bit more, next week. I know Dan (Neil) will be highlighted for his goals and rightly so but I thought the rest of the midfield were terrific.
“I expected a big performance from us, I hoped we would win the game if we got that. It's seven wins out of eight, five wins in a row, it doesn't feel like that sometimes. It's up to us to keep reinforcing the message that when you play at Rangers there's another big game round the corner, and that's what we've got next Sunday.”
McInnes also highlighted the importance of togetherness, particularly after a challenging period for the squad and another major overhaul this summer.
“I love the togetherness, I need to have this team who cares for each other, has love for each other,” he continued. “When things aren't going well you sometimes see the true strength. We've had some soul searching and tough times the past few weeks.
“It gives so much encouragement to the club, fans, the board as to what we're capable of.”
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