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Robbie Copeland

Every word of Gio van Bronckhorst's Rangers press conference as he hints at big Alex Lowry role against Hearts

It was a heartbreaking defeat for Rangers in Seville but there's no time to lick their wounds with another cup final on the horizon.

This time it's Hearts they take on at the national stadium as they look to end the season on a high with some silverware.

Wednesday's clash took it out of the squad and they're feeling the impact with Borna Barisic confirmed out for the Hampden showpiece.

But manager Van Bronckhorst remains confident they can bounce back with a victory and lift the cup come Saturday evening.

Here is what he said in his pre-match press conference.

Is Aaron Ramsey in a mindset where you would think twice of playing him at Hampden?

"We all shared the disappointment. Ramsey was very down, we needed to lift him up as we do every player in the squad.

"The fans will welcome him and my team tomorrow. All our focus is on the final and we have to support each other as a family to be ready for the final.

"I have a lot of confidence in my team. We didn't get the outcome we wanted but overall it was a good experience for my team. We have a very important game tomorrow and I have full confidence my team will be ready."

You went the distance again on Wednesday - can you talk us through where the squad is at?

"We had a tough game with 120 minutes in difficult heat. We had a good recovery today.

"Borna is not available for tomorrow.

"All other players who featured are available for tomorrow."

How impressed were you with Calvin Bassey in Seville?

“I was very impressed. Calvin Bassey is playing really well and we are seeing his development as a player and person. I love working with him.

"In the games he plays in Europe he plays really well.

“He is still young and very open to advice. He wants to get stronger and better every day.

"I want to work as long as possible with Calvin but if you have these performances in Europe you will get attention."

Would you consider starting Alex Lowry at Hampden?

"Alex Lowry is a big talent for us and he will be in the squad and hopefully he can play a part in this game.

"He's played a lot in the last couple of weeks.

“It will be great to see him develop moving forward."

Does an impressive performance in Seville give you confidence for tomorrow?

"I have a lot of confidence in my team and their ability to regroup and recover from big games.

"We didn't get the outcome we wanted but overall it was a good experience for my team to play in such a big game.

"It's part of the game when you are in finals that the disappointment will be very big. There can only be one winner.

"But we have another very important game tomorrow because it means we can win silverware this season.

"That's our aim and I have full confidence we will be ready tomorrow."

Does Allan McGregor start in goals since it could be his final game for Rangers?

"I’ve started Jon McLaughlin in the cup campaign this year. He's done very well, especially against Celtic.

“Jon has my full confidence tomorrow.

"It's difficult because Allan McGregor is our number one but he could totally understand. He will guide and fully support Jon.”

Update on Connor Goldson?

“Regarding Connor, the club has been in talks with him to extend his contract and so far he hasn’t extended it.

“The chance that he will still be a Rangers player after tomorrow will be small. I’d love to have Connor in the team next year but as you see quite a lot when players get out of contract, there are two possibilities.

“That is to keep playing for Rangers or to move on to another challenge but I still have in my mind he will still be part of Rangers next year.

“In reality, we’ll have to watch in the coming weeks.

“I think Connor has been amazing for this team. If it will be his last game tomorrow? I don’t know right now.”

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