Rangers star sends rallying cry ahead of Hibs cup final as he targets ‘10 times better’ Hampden celebrations

James Penrice believes the celebrations following Rangers’ Premier Sports Cup semi-final victory over Aberdeen will be nothing compared to the scenes if the Light Blues return to Hampden and lift the trophy next month.

Rangers booked their place in December’s showpiece with a hard-fought 1-0 win over the Dons on Saturday evening. Ryan Naderi’s late goal proved the difference, reacting quickest to a low Penrice cross to turn the ball home from close range.

The result secured Derek McInnes’ first cup final as Rangers manager, with Hibs awaiting the Ibrox side at the national stadium after defeating city rivals Hearts 2-1 in the other last-four tie.

The Rangers players soaked in the celebrations with their supporters at full-time, and Penrice believes the experience will provide an added incentive ahead of the final.

The left-back, who joined on loan from Greek Super League side AEK Athens during the summer, said: “I think it’s special seeing boys that haven’t seen the kind of scenes before, haven’t seen Rangers at Hampden.

“I think it can only help. And I think it will be 10 times that if you were to come back here and win it in six weeks. And I think that’s what we’ll be trying to put into the group and it can only help us.”

Rangers transfer decision vindicated by reaching cup final

Penrice also insists his decision to move to Ibrox was never in doubt, with the opportunity to represent a club of Rangers’ stature and compete in major fixtures exactly what he wanted.

He revealed: “It was never in doubt. Never. It was the only place I wanted to go in the summer. And I pushed a hell of a lot. This is why I want to come here and play for a massive club and play in games like a final. It only backs up my decision.”

While Rangers were not at their fluent best against Aberdeen, particularly during a scrappy first-half that was low on quality, former Hearts man Penrice believes the ability to grind out results is an important part of competing at the highest level.

He acknowledged that opponents will regularly make life difficult for them by sitting deep, but stressed the importance of maintaining composure in the final third.

“We’d love to be knocking the ball about and score six or seven goals, but sometimes that doesn’t happen,” he added. “Teams come and they sit lower and they make it hard for us.

“At Rangers, that’s going to happen. You need to score goals. I think it’s just that final bit. The final pass, the final shot. I think composure in front of goal. But I can’t complain. The boys ran themselves into the ground and I think big Ryan gets his striker’s goal and it’s a massive positive.”

Penrice also impressed in an unfamiliar role, starting alongside Nico Raskin in central midfield as McInnes opted for a tactical reshuffle.

Having previously featured in midfield for the club, the ex-Partick Thistle and Livingston defender admitted the role was different from what he was accustomed to, but made it clear he had no hesitation in following his manager’s instructions.

“It was obviously not what I’ve been used to in a two. But when the gaffer says play there, there’s no question, I’ll play wherever,” Penrice smiled. “Whatever I can do to help the team is what I’ll do. Obviously, it’s not a position I’ve played in before in the past. But if he asks me to play in there, I’m going to say yes. I could play anywhere.”