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RANGERS captain James Tavernier is confident that his team are on the up once again after hitting rock bottom against Brann just over a week ago.
The Ibrox side were thrashed 3-0 away in Norway in the Europa League as Danny Rohl’s reign got off to an inauspicious start.
Tavernier was scathing in his criticism after the match, branding the Rangers performance as ‘disgraceful’ whilst questioning their basic levels of application.
But they have since responded with back-to-back wins over Kilmarnock and Hibs in the league heading into Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup semi-final showdown with Celtic at Hampden.
Tavernier believes there has been a major uplift in performances and the mood around the squad since Rohl has started to put his stamp on things.
‘The reaction has been good, very positive,’ said the Rangers skipper. ‘You never want it to get to that stage and you never want to have performances like that.
Tavernier insists Rangers are in confident mood ahead of the League Cup semi-final with Celtic
Rangers have bounced back from the 3-0 loss to Brann in Danny Rohl's first game in charge
‘The Brann game came thick and fast, the manager was only two days in the door. So it was difficult to get as much information as possible. But I think the boys have really responded well since then.
‘I wouldn't really say it was tactical that night. It was more as a team and effort and what we put into that game. But I think we’ve really responded well from then. The manager has made it a fresh slate.
‘It's about consistency now. We have to keep stepping it up, keep putting in the performances, and build on what we’ve been doing over the past couple of games.
‘We need to keep pushing each other, keep being demanding of each other, run for each other and show togetherness. I want that to continue.
‘I definitely hope so [that Brann was rock bottom]. I've seen glimpses of where this team can be throughout the season. But we've never been consistent of what we were capable of.
‘It's about the basics. If you do the basics right, then the talent can shine through in a game. We've been doing that right. So, yeah, we can't be complacent.
‘Like I say it’s about basics and working hard for each other, keeping clean sheets. Someone told me the clean sheet against Hibs was our first away from home in almost a year. That blew my mind a little bit.
‘As a defender and as a team, you should pride yourself on not conceding. We know we’ve got talent at the top end of the pitch, so it’s about bringing it all together as a group.’
In what has been a chaotic start to the season, both Rangers and Celtic go into the match with new managers at the helm.
Rohl was appointed a fortnight ago after the sacking of Russell Martin, whilst Martin O’Neill took interim charge of Celtic earlier this week following the shock resignation of Brendan Rodgers.
New boss Danny Rohl has won his first two Premiership matches since taking charge
At 36 and 73 years of age respectively, Rohl and O’Neill are at opposite ends of their managerial careers.
This will be the 28th time O’Neill has taken charge of Celtic in an Old Firm derby, whilst, for Rohl, this will be the young German’s first experience of Scottish football’s showpiece fixture.
Tavernier is a veteran of the derby and stressed the need for calm heads, having witnessed first-hand the chaos that can often knock players off course.
‘All the Old Firm games are always played with a crazy pace and tempo,’ he said. ‘I would probably expect the same on Sunday.
Danilo scored the only goal of the game in Rangers' 1-0 win at Easter Road
‘It can really take your breath away when you start those games with that kind of tempo. I know plenty of lads who have played in these games and they come back to us and say how quick it is at the very start.
‘So it's just giving some of the new lads a heads-up, a calmness of it as well. Because, in a big game like this, nerves might come into it. But it's just about a level of calmness to it.
‘Just stick to what the manager wants us to do. I've got full belief in my players and who the manager is selecting. So it's just giving them encouragement, belief and just trying to push them.
‘These are special games to be part of. We want to give the fans a good feeling on Monday morning and the only way we do that is by winning the game and reaching the final.
‘Two teams that will obviously want to win. But it's down to us how we want the game to unfold.
I'll stick to what the manager wants us to do in our game plan and apply it on the pitch.'
