Derek McInnes won't let Rangers squad coast into Hampden final as gauntlet laid down after gritty Aberdeen win

Derek McInnes praised his Rangers side's relentless perseverance after Ryan Naderi 83-minute strike sunk a stubborn Aberdeen - but warned that their execution in the final third must drastically improve if they want to lift silverware.

Reflecting on the Ibrox club’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Dons at Hampden Park, McInnes admitted that while booking a place in the Premier Sports Cup final on December 13 was “job done”, his team was far too ponderous during a frustrating first half.

Despite dominating territory and registering 25 shots, McInnes was critical of his team's wasteful finishing but was full of praise with the character shown by his players after the break.

“I am absolutely delighted, that was what we set out to do today to make sure we got the club into the final,” McInnes said. “We needed to try and bring a performance that would allow us to have a bit of confidence to get through but it was patchy to say the least at times.

“In the first-half it was far too ponderous and I never thought we showed enough authority in the game. We never moved the ball quick enough. The stats will tell you we had 75 per cent possession and 25 shots and it is actually really not good enough that we can only have five shots on target.

“I thought we were guilty of rushing things when we needed to show calmness and we needed to show more tempo and intensity. I always feel there are goals in us and I always feel a goal coming, but equally there were still too many moments where we were caught in transition by not making good decisions in their final third, by not looking after the ball that we left ourselves vulnerable to a couple of counter attacks.

"I have been involved in Rangers teams in the past where semi-finals aren't always straight forward so it is just about getting through and thankfully we have done it and we come back in December and it is important we get the job done and win it.”

Rangers players warned they can’t afford to assume place in team is safe

McInnes made it clear to his squad that no one can afford to coast or assume their place in the team is safe over the coming weeks. By maintaining high standards in the Scottish Premiership, he believes Rangers will be in the best possible shape to lift the trophy come mid-December.

“There are clearly improvements still to be made but it is important that we keep winning,” McInnes added. “I am delighted for my players and the supporters because I know how important it is for us to be in finals and this has got to be the norm going forward.

“It doesn't do us any harm to have that in the bank something to look forward to, it keeps the feel good factor amongst the supporters and the club.

“We have all got that to look forward to but for the players, and I have just said it there, it is important between now and then that if you are in your team do your best to stay in the team and bring the performances and if you are not in the team get yourself in the team and everyone has got to keep driving each other on through our league campaign.”

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