STUART McCALL, the Rangers manager, admitted his players were "shattered" after four play-off matches in the space of a fortnight but hoped the momentum built up during that period will help them triumph in the final.

The Ibrox side take on Motherwell in the first leg at home on Thursday having seen off first Queen of the South and then Hibernian in the semi-final. McCall gave his players a rare day off yesterday after admitting the gruelling nature of the play-offs, on the back of 36 league games, was taking its toll on his players but hoped that adrenaline and team spirit would help propel them over the finishing line and back into the top flight.

"We've come through four really, really tough games and the lads are shattered," he said. "There was no celebrating on Saturday because a) we've done nothing yet and more importantly b) they were too tired. But we have got what everyone talks about, momentum, and we've got togetherness. We've got the job done over two really difficult games. There was no favourite between us and Queen of the South - especially with our results down there - and there was certainly no favourite between us and Hibs because they've got a good side And there will be no favourite between us and Motherwell. The one good part for us is that at least it's not until Thursday. We will have enough time to recuperate and re-energise.

"The players would be the first to admit it's been a disappointing season but they are turning it around themselves and all credit goes to them because they are showing that. We weren't great on Saturday, obviously, but there are different ways to win and it was about resolution and desire and it's good to look around the dressing room and see that you have that because that's what you need."

McCall expects both matches against his former club will be nervous affairs, but hoped the Rangers supporters would do their bit.

"Again it will be tense and probably edgy," he added. "But when needed at the back end of this year, the fans have been there for us. Don't get me wrong they've been there for the club all the time but they've been there for the players [recently]. I think the players have responded to that.

"I'm sure they will be two tight, tight games. Obviously I managed Motherwell at Rangers a lot of times and they haven't got a good record, Motherwell coming to Rangers. That is something we are aware of it. In fact in my last game we managed to get a 0-0 which was the best result they'd had for a wee while. But there will be no margin for error."

Midfielder Andy Murdoch admitted he was grateful the next match was not until Thursday, rather than Wednesday. "It definitely will help us recover. The games have been coming thick and fast and we could certainly do with a little bit more rest time. It has been a hard week."