STEVEN GERRARD reckons Rangers have shown a greater hunger for silverware this season as his Ibrox squad strives for domestic success.
The 39-year-old was left empty-handed after his first campaign at Ibrox as Celtic won a third consecutive Treble.
Rangers are in a far stronger position this term, however, and face Hearts in the Betfred Cup semi-finals on Sunday.
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Gerrard said: “There were two big ingredients I wanted to see a massive improvement on from last season and that was our hunger to be successful and our consistency.
“They both marry up. They are the same thing and it’s to move on very quickly from one game to the next because we knew from our schedule last year they were going to come thick and fast again.
“It’s very important, whether we win and play well, to re-set and move on to the next one.
“The players are doing that better this year, there’s certainly a hunger about them, a big improvement from last year and it’s no surprise the consistency improves as a result.
“However, apart from qualifying for the group stage of the Europa League, which was a big achievement, we haven’t done anything yet from a domestic point of view. It’s important we continue to push.
“It’s important we don’t listen to too much from the outside, with respect. When you win at this club and win consistently you are going to get a bit of praise of course, which is always nice, but it’s important you don’t get too involved in that.
READ MORE: Rangers need another £10million before end of current season
“At the same time if we don’t play too well or reach our heights we don’t get too involved in the criticism. It’s important we stay together on the inside and keep pushing and trying to churn out results. The players need to remain focused.
“They are focused, they’re in a good place at the moment, in the zone, and we need to stay there.”
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