'No matter what': James Tavernier lays down Rangers Scottish Cup demands after Europa League heartache

James Tavernier insists Rangers will channel the hurt of their Europa League heartache into Saturday’s Scottish Cup final, and beyond.

The captain must pick up his team-mates – and himself – from the devastation of defeat on penalties by Eintracht Frankfurt in Seville on Wednesday evening and bid for more silverware against Hearts in the domestic competition, at Hampden.

The challenge ahead is heightened not just by the emotions of the Europa League final shoot-out but also the quick turnaround for the match. With the chance of winning silverware still on offer, Tavernier insists they have to respond well.

“It’s hard to take. I’m not going to lie. It’s very hard to take,” the captain said. “2008 was the last time we were in this final. We want to be in these games, playing against the best in Europe. We have to use this as fuel, especially for this weekend and we have a very important game.

“It was a massive night, and we obviously wanted to put it over the line but didn’t. We’ve got to win this Saturday, no matter what.

"We will just use this as fuel, as motivation. It’s a cup final. There is silverware to be had.

"We’ve got a great backroom staff who look after all the lads with the nutrition, the physios and the masseuses.

“There are top professionals in that changing room. We’ll do our very best to get back into peak condition for Saturday and we’re going to give it everything.

“It’s the last game of the season and I know every single one of the boys will be fired up when that whistle comes on Saturday."

Lifting the spirits may be easier said than done. Disconsolate fans lined the streets of Seville in the aftermath and Rangers themselves rallied around Aaron Ramsey after the Welshman’s missed penalty proved crucial