Hear that clattering and banging in the background? It sounds rather like the noise of folk downing tools doesn’t it? Ok, so that’s a bit harsh on the Rangers players. The Scottish Championship trophy is already plonked in the trophy cabinet. So too is the Petrofac Training Cup. And if the praise and plaudits they received for beating old foes Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final could be measured in silverware, then you’d need to put up a shelf the length of Paisley Road West to accommodate them.
Last night’s hum-drum defeat to Livingston, which followed up a timorous 1-1 draw with Alloa Athletic during the title-winning knees-up last weekend, looked to be another exercise in foots being lifted off the gas. That’s not being disrespectful to Livingston or Alloa but when the main aim of the season has been achieved – promotion back to the upper echelons – it’s always going to be difficult to maintain that rampaging run to glory. That’s almost human nature. The job’s done, now let’s kick back and revel in the achievements and adulation.
Of course, Rangers need to rouse themselves for a Hampden showdown with Hibernian next month. Getting geed up for a Cup Final shouldn’t be difficult but when you don’t have a competitive game for almost three weeks – Rangers' last league match in this Sunday – then the instincts, the edge and the sharpness is definitely compromised. Hibernian, in contrast, continue to fight on a variety of fronts. Its promises to be a tough old slog for the Easter Road club, both physically and psychologically, but if they get into that winning habit and continue to make strides towards a return to the top flight through the play-offs then adrenaline, a feel good factor and that vital spark of momentum – oh, and the fact they haven’t won the Scottish Cup since Methuselah was a nipper – will be a useful weapon in the armoury.
If results go in their favour over the next couple of weeks, Hibs could ride into Hampden on the crest of a wave. Rangers, meanwhile, might need to haul themselves off the metaphorical beach mat. And that could be difficult.
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