Rangers and Aberdeen meet at Hampden in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final, with a place in the final against either Hearts or Hibs at stake. Derek McInnes' side go into the match as heavy favourites, while Stephen Robinson's Aberdeen are desperate for a result after a poor run of form.
Pressure on Rangers, says Robinson
Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson says all the pressure is on Rangers heading into the clash and has told his players they have no time to feel sorry for themselves. The Dons go into the game off the back of successive defeats to Dundee United and Falkirk that have left sections of the fanbase calling for the manager's head.
"You haven't got time to feel sorry for yourself, if there is a moment to put it right a semi final at Hampden is that time," he said. "As a footballer you always get another chance, sometimes as a manager you don't and what a chance it is to go to Hampden, a full house with a big support with us. It is certainly the right place to do it and we believe we can."
"Every semi-final that I've been in with Motherwell and St Mirren, we were not expected to win. So I know how to motivate teams and the staff know how to get teams to believe. It's certainly an opportunity. All the pressure will be on Rangers, and the expectation will be on Rangers."
Neil responds to character claims
Rangers captain Dan Neil is adamant his team do not have a character flaw after spilling points again at Tynecastle, and is confident they will produce a show of proper personality at Hampden. He was responding to comments made by defender Olwethu Makhanya after the South African's last-minute goal rescued a 2-2 draw away to Hearts on Wednesday night.
The centre-back claimed McInnes' team had "lacked character" and said the Jambos had shown more "desire" than the Light Blues at the start of the second half as they roared ahead with two goals from Claudio Braga and Calvin Miller. But Neil shrugged off those words as he vowed Rangers will respond to the groans in Gorgie by storming Mount Florida as they seek to topple Aberdeen.
Asked if he'd spoken to Makhanya, the midfielder said: "I don't think I've addressed it so much. Listen, it was an emotional game. Obviously Maka has scored late in the game and we could have won it at the end. It definitely wasn't a lack of character. You've seen multiple times in the season the character this squad has."
The winner at Hampden will face either Hearts or Hibs in the final, with both clubs eyeing Premier Sports Cup glory at the national stadium.
