Gary McAllister insists the bitter memory of Betfred Cup Final defeat to Celtic is driving Rangers’ bid for Hampden glory this season.
The Light Blues No.2 says that 1-0 loss to the Hoops last December remains fresh in their minds ahead of today’s trip to Falkirk.
It ensures complacency won’t be an issue as they target a quarter-final spot today.
McAllister said: “That memory of last year must spur us on because we played as well as we could.
“On the day we were very unfortunate not to get the result and we go into this game knowing the prize is a place in the quarter-final. We want to go one better as that’s the carrot which is being dangled.
“We are desperately trying hard to get Rangers back to winning ways.
“We will do our due diligence and show Falkirk almighty respect as we want a good run in this competition so we will field a strong side.”
Rangers will ring the changes against the Bairns with several fringe men getting an outing as they attempt to continue their unbeaten run this season.
McAllister believes they are well covered as they look to replace injured players such as Ryan Jack and rest others who have played a lot of football.
He said: “There will be a bit of a mix but we totally respect the opponent and we can’t just think we can make wholesale changes. There will be changes and we will freshen up from Thursday night.
“There was an almighty effort on Thursday but we will go to Falkirk with a strong side and be very wary that we can’t just expect to turn up and win the game easily.
“The rotation is key. The fact we play Thursday-Sunday, Thursday-Sunday, there has to be rotation and modern players accept that.”
