Steven Gerrard pleased as Rangers march on in Cup

The Gers boss was pleased with his side’s showing as they marched into the next round.

“The really pleasing thing for me was to get the job done – four goals, a clean sheet and a place in the semi-final. I thought the boys were professional and approached it the right way. I think a lot of people were waiting for us to slip up.”

With no fewer than six changes from the side that defeated St. Johnstone on Sunday, there was clearly some tough decisions for the Ibrox boss to make in terms of team selection.

“I had to get the balance right in terms of making changes but also trying to keep a strong team out there. Obviously, I had one eye on Livingston which is going to be big three points for us.”

Two-goal youngster Glenn Middleton was awarded the ‘Man-of-the-Match’ – and whilst certainly not disagreeing with that decision the manager was at pains to stress the contributions of captain for the night Andy Halliday and Ross McCrorie.

“There were a few people pushing for ‘Man-of-the-Match’. Andy was solid at left-back, gave a mature performance despite playing out of position.

“Ross did well again and Glenn got two goals.

“He’s been an impact player for us but he’s pushing very hard for a starting berth. He did ever so well tonight with two great goals.”

Gerrard expressed sympathy for Alfredo Morelos, recipient of a yellow card which means he will be suspended for the semi-final.

“I can understand him getting frustrated but for me it’s a yellow card offence on him.

“The referee said the player got the ball cleanly – I disagree.

“We suffer as a club because we won’t have him available so that’s the disappointing thing.”

That semi-final will see the Light Blues paired with bitter rivals Aberdeen – but the manager was not one for getting carried away with the prospect.

“We’ll be judged by what we achieve come the end of the season but it’s great for our supporters – it’ll be a tough game against Aberdeen but one we’re really looking forward to.”

Nor was he even contemplating his team selection for that game with Morelos suspended and Kyle Lafferty ineligible.

“We pick teams from game to game and from training session to training session.

“We’ve got players becoming available – Gareth McAuley is in full training, Jordan Rossiter played tonight, Eros Grezda is getting fitter and fitter.

“It’s far too early to pick a team just now for the semi-final.

“We are playing and peforming well at the minute and long may that continue,” added Gerrard.