MARK Warburton last night insisted Rangers will be able to rediscover their best form in time for the William Hill Scottish Cup final next month after failing to win their second game in four days.
Rangers were held to a 1-1 draw by relegated Alloa at Ibrox yesterday before they were presented with the Ladbrokes Premiership trophy in front of a crowd of 50,349.
The result against part-time opponents came in the same week as they lost 3-2 to Hibs – who they will face at Hampden on May 21 – in a league game at Easter Road.
However, Warburton, whose side defeated Old Firm rivals Celtic 5-4 on penalties in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden last Sunday, is confident they will be fine in the final.
Asked if the disappointing results against Hibs and Alloa were due to their exertions in the game against Celtic, he said: "We wanted to avoid that after highlighting it might be a possibility.
"But after winning the league, then the Petrofac, then what happened last Sunday, then maybe subconsciously it’s a natural reaction. We need to pick it up pretty quick - but we will do.
"I think it is important to finish the season on a high. Obviously Hibs will say the same thing. We will prepare well and deliver a performance hopefully.
"We absolutely want to finish on a high and there is European football at stake too. That is a big plus for the club so we will be all out to win the trophy, that's for sure.”
Rangers will have three weeks without a game before the Scottish Cup final – but Warburton is confident that will not have an adverse impact on their performance against Hibs.
"It's important to get the preparations right,” he said. “We'll give the players four days off. Any longer is dangerous as they get in holiday mode.
"So four days off is enough to give them a break and recharge. Then we'll get them back in, we'll have a friendly with a Premier League side down south around May 11 to keep the boys sharp.
"That will be halfway through the period then we'll come back up and train. The week up to the final will be the same as always.”
Meanwhile, Warburton admitted he had enjoyed the celebrations at Ibrox as Lee Wallace, the Rangers captain, was presented with the Ladbrokes Championship trophy.
He said: "It was good, it was good for the players to get their rewards. We speak about all the hard work you when you get the rewards you need to enjoy them. It was good for the fans too.
“What does it mean? It means we're back in the top flight and we've got to enjoy that, absolutely. I was disappointed with the performance today, but the celebrations were well deserved.”
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