Michael O'Halloran accepts Rangers need to up the ante ahead of Scottish Cup final

From forward Michael O’Halloran there was a full and frank admission that it was simply not good enough.

“We got a dressing down in there and fair play because the performance wasn’t acceptable,” he said.

“We knew we were below par. We won the league early and then followed that up with the Challenge Cup and the Celtic game. It was such a high - so maybe it’s natural – but it’s not acceptable. That’s three games without a win and you can’t do that at Rangers.

“It’s not the manager’s style to lose the rag – but he’s got our respect so when he tells us we all listen. To be fair we knew ourselves it wasn’t good enough or acceptable. He let us know in his own way.”

With the Scottish Cup Final looming large on the horizon many have expressed concern that Hibernian are in a preferred position as they battle for second place with Falkirk, with the play-Offs to come.

O’Halloran dismissed the suggestion.

“I’d rather be in our shoes. We’re the League Champions. We beat Celtic and we’re still a confident bunch of lads so I’d definitely rather be us,” he said.