Rangers boss Mark Warburton irritated by predictions of an easy Celtic win
Monday 18 April 2016 10:19, UK
Rangers manager Mark Warburton thinks his side were worthy winners of their epic Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic.
Warburton's men were pegged back twice by their Glasgow rivals in a remarkable match, played out in a sensational atmosphere at Hampden Park.
The game was eventually decided by a penalty shoot-out, which went to sudden-death before Celtic sub Tom Rogic, who had made it 2-2 in extra-time, missed his spot-kick to send Rangers through to face Hibernian.
Rangers, who will return to the Ladbrokes Premiership next season after winning the Championship, impressed with their passing game, particularly in the first half.
Celtic defeated Rangers 2-0 the last time the two clubs met and Warburton admits that he was irritated by some pundits' predictions of another comfortable Celtic win prior to kick-off.
Trending
- World Darts Championship: Anderson two sets down after seeds KO'd LIVE!
- Reaction as Christmas leaders Liverpool score SIX at Tottenham LIVE!
- Goals galore! Liverpool trump Spurs in NINE-goal bonanza
- Liverpool latest: Wherever I end my career I am happy - Salah
- 'Cultural overhaul needed' | Neville slams mediocre Man Utd
- World Darts Championship schedule: Anderson headlines Sunday's action
- NFL Sunday LIVE! Vikings face Seahawks after Commanders stun Eagles
- Bournemouth stun Man Utd in Christmas nightmare for Amorim
- Amorim: Anxiety around Old Trafford is affecting our mentality
- Transfer Centre LIVE! Could Maguire leave Man Utd for free next summer?
"The favourites had to be Celtic," said Warburton.
"Anyone who understands football will say they have the stronger squad, they have the experience and they were the favourites and I can understand this.
Live SPFL Football
"I was irritated by people underestimating Rangers.
"I read reports about them getting battered by Celtic today. Well they showed today that they've got quality, they've got the commitment and the work ethic and that gap is a lot, lot narrower than people are talking about.
"We've been good this season. We're not clear in the league by 17 points by chance.
"We deserve to be and the young squad has come together quickly so all credit to the players.
"I think they deserved a little more respect. I'm just delighted for the fans. The level of support they've given us again was magnificent.
"They've been in some dark places over the last four or five years, so it's tremendous that they can enjoy days like today and last week.
"We were down to the bare minimum with 16 players and young Liam Burt on the bench, but I thought to a man they were outstanding today.
"I thought we deserved to win the game of football. That's the most pleasing thing.
"Our message before the game was do what you've done all season just do it better against the number one team in the country and I think we did that today."
