PETER LOVENKRANDS may have felt disappointment at failing to land a job on Pedro Caixinha’s coaching staff but, as a Rangers fan, any frustration was at least partially eased with the positive impression he took from his meeting with the Portuguese.

The Dane, who spent six years as a player at Ibrox, had hoped to become Caixinha’s number three, only to lose out to former fellow frontman Jonatan Johansson. But he felt suitably encouraged by the message relayed by the new manager to believe Rangers can prosper in Sunday’s William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic.

Lovenkrands said: “The thing that impressed me most about Pedro Caixinha when I met him was his ideas and the way he’s thinking football-wise. I don’t think anything is going to faze him, really. After meeting him and speaking to him, I think he knows what he wants and is very focused on what he is looking for from the players and the club.

“I think he will be probably be more excited about things than anything. We had the same type of mentality in terms of our thoughts on football and training. He came across as being very clever, he knows his stuff, and he appears to be very hard working in terms of preparation.

“I think he’ll be fine in his first experience of the derby but only time will tell because the Old Firm can get to anyone in the heat of the moment and we’ve seen that before.

“We saw what happened in the last game when it was a close one. Everyone was telling me it was going to be four or five again, all those things.

“But it was an Old Firm game and I knew anything could happen. When I was involved we lost 6-2 at Parkhead and then we beat Celtic in the next game. These things happen. Yes, Celtic have been doing great but I think Rangers have improved with the new manager coming in.

“Their style of play has improved as well. It is more direct and that suits the players better. I think they are in with a good chance. They have been winning games and will draw confidence from that as well. They have had a few injuries but some of the young boys have come in and stepped up well.”

Lovenkrands felt the role on the Rangers coaching staff would have been perfect for him but felt no animosity towards the Portuguese for taking a different path.

He added: “I wanted to get that job so I’m disappointed. Rangers phoned me and asked me to go in for a chat and of course I hoped I was going to get that opportunity. I’m happy for Jonatan that he got the chance instead and I’m sure he’ll do well but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed.

“I wished Pedro all the best when he told me the news although I had already said that when I came out meeting. I want to see the club back where they used to be.

“I thought this was the right opportunity for me and perfect given what they wanted from the role. Managing is not something for me right now but helping behind the scenes as an assistant coach would have been ideal for me with my skills. I felt I could have helped players individually. But if another role comes up like that then I’ll think about it.”

- Peter Lovenkrands was speaking at a William Hill media event. William Hill is the proud sponsor of the Scottish Cup.