McInnes knows he must deliver trophies to survive as Rangers manager

Derek McInnes insists he's comfortable with the fact that he can only survive as Rangers manager if he quickly brings silverware to the club.

The visit of Celtic for Sunday's Premier Sports Cup quarter-final gives the new Ibrox manager a chance to take the club back to Hampden in seven weeks' time.

Rangers last held the League Cup trophy in season 2023-24, 12 years on from their last triumph.

The club's lack of success in the past 15 years – winning each of the three domestic honours only once – has contributed to a churn of managers which sees the club's former midfielder become the tenth permanent appointment in that time.

Acutely aware that it's his responsibility to change that pattern of underachievement, McInnes said: 'We need to be more relevant domestically as a club.

'We haven't been. We've had sporadic cup wins and one league title.

'I understand the nature of the business and we all sign up for it.

'When we come here, we all have the responsibility, players, staff alike, that we're here to deliver silverware and if we don't, we won't be here long.

'For me, it's something we have to try and grasp and work towards and not be daunted by.

'Working for Rangers gives you great opportunities and we see this as a brilliant opportunity on Sunday to take a step closer to silverware.'

The failure of his predecessors to get the better of Celtic in matches has contributed to the pressure that's quickly come on them.

Aside from tangible success, McInnes has acknowledged that he needs to change the pattern where those in the Ibrox hot-seat have become accustomed to losing to their great rivals too often.

'Yes, I think it's the same in any derby,' he added.

'I had the same conversation last season at Hearts where Hearts managers don't really normally survive if they can't win derbies. I think it's just the same.

'Obviously, this is a bigger fixture and the spotlight is on it.

'If you can win these games, you've still got two cup ties to win a trophy, so it doesn't guarantee anything. But I do think it gives you a bit of credit in the bank.

'Obviously, if you don't win them then there's just a bit more scrutiny on you. But listen, I know what I signed up for.

'I know the job requires you to be the best team in Glasgow, to be the best team in Scotland and hopefully we can do that.'

The last three cup ties between the teams have gone beyond 90 minutes with Celtic winning two of those on penalty kicks.

McInnes is hopeful that his side can get the job done in normal time but feels it's wise to prepare for every eventuality.

'I think if you're playing a certain cup tie and you're strong favourites then you wouldn't want to send that message out to your players that this might go to penalties,' he said.

'In this kind of game, where there are two strong teams and it might be a tight game then I think it's certainly professional to do it.'

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