Sunday 31 May 2015 14:56, UK
Stuart McCall is adamant Rangers will be ready to respond on Sunday when they face Motherwell again despite their 3-1 defeat to the Lanarkshire side on Thursday night.
The Ibrox manager admits he and his players are still reeling from a loss few of their supporters expected in the first leg of the SPFL Premiership play-off final.
Ian Baraclough’s men won an away fixture at Rangers for the first time in 15 years as they recorded their first victory of any kind against the 54-time Scottish champions since 2002.
It was a crushing setback for McCall’s team, who must now win by two goals at Fir Park this weekend to force extra-time and three to take a place in next season’s top flight.
He appreciates that is a tall order against a side which was ruthless in attack on Thursday but is confident he can pick his players up in time to get the result they need.
McCall said on Friday: "I feel like I've been 12 rounds with a heavyweight boxer. I've been punched in the gut and I feel a bit deflated, winded and hurt.
“We all do but I will be better on Sunday and the lads will be as well. I don't mind them feeling down today - it's only natural.
“You can't expect them to come in with a spring in their step and a smile on their face but we will work on it and make sure mentally they are ready for Sunday."
McCall’s own employment prospects could hinge on the outcome of the return leg against the club he began this term managing.
He was only given the manager’s position at Rangers until the end of the season in March and is not assured of a longer deal this summer.
Regardless of what happens, the man who served the Ibrox club as a player for seven years between 1991 and 1998 is determined to see the job through.
He has echoed the message a small group of supporters who gathered outside Rangers’ Murray Park training ground on Friday sent to his players.
They held up a placard which read: “Nothing is impossible. Have faith in yourselves – believe”. Now McCall wants those words to sink in.
The side which finished third in the Scottish Championship began far better on Thursday and dominated until Motherwell scored just before the half-hour mark against the run of play.
McCall added: "Football is all about goals. I've just watched the first half back. We had something like 70 per cent of the possession and were in control of the game.
"We had a couple of chances and got our full-backs in wide areas, which is what we wanted.
"Nicky Law had a shot and the ball has flashed across the box but we have just not scored the first goal. Their goal gave them a huge lift in confidence.
"I've no doubt nobody could have envisioned that performance – not even their players or manager - because that is by far and away their best away performance of the season.
"But it was our worst home performance since I've been here. The boys got a little bit nervy and edgy if I'm honest.
"However, I've got a belief that we will be better and hopefully Motherwell won't be as good.
"Two goals are certainly not insurmountable but that's easy to say. We've got to do it and we've got to believe we can do it."
