John Lundstram explains 'tough' Rangers Hampden aftermath as he opens up on unseen toll after final heartbreak

Midfielder John Lundstram didn’t need to fire up the Sky box when he got home from Hampden.

Not when the memories of his Viaplay Cup final heartache were already running on repeat through his mind. The Rangers star was hoping he could leave the frustration and bitter disappointment that followed last Sunday’s defeat to Celtic at the front door as he returned to greet his girlfriend and their daughter. But while the 29-year-one was there in person, his spirt was still slumped at the foot of Mount Florida replaying the missed opportunities that might have made for a much different outcome.

These are the private moments fans do not get to see, the times when their heroes allow their human frailties to be exposed to their nearest and dearest. To the Ibrox faithful, Lundstram as the highly-paid star is fair game for criticism when results fall flat. But back home, he’s just 'Dad' and sometimes his family have to suffer too as the Gers ace goes through the emotional turmoil that follows defeat on the biggest stage.

“I didn’t watch it again, no,” admitted Lundstram as he looked back on a tough week. “After the game I just wanted to try to get my mind off it for a couple of hours with my little baby.

“She’s six months. I have got my hands full but I couldn’t ask for anything better. I’m a lucky man. Listen, it’s tough. It’s really tough. When you know you and the team haven’t performed, it’s not easy.

“There’s going to be anger and there’s anger with yourself as well. I just tried to get mind off with the family, really. It’s tough sometimes because you go home sometimes after a defeat at the weekend and you’re sitting there with your family - but you’re not really there.

“It’s tough on the family as much as it’s tough on