SIGNS GOOD FOR DANNY

Boss says Gers take big steps forward in defeat

- BY SCOTT MCDERMOTT

DANNY ROHL inherited a group of Rangers players who have constantly been queried on character and mentality.

But the German manager says those questions should end after yesterday's brave defeat to Celtic at Hampden.

In his first Old Firm derby, Rohl suffered a heartbreaking loss in the Premier Sports Cup semifinal.

Down to 10 men following Thelo Aasgaard’s red card, Rangers defied the odds to take Celtic to extra-time, thanks to James Tavernier’s late penalty equaliser in normal time.

In the end, his side ran out of gas. Their legs had gone by the time Callum McGregor and Callum Osmand put the tie to bed and sent Martin O'Neill's Bhoys to the final.

At full-time, Rohl was left dejected by the result - but not by the display.

He hailed his team’s courage in the face of adversity and claimed they looked favourites to win it at 1-1, despite being a man down.

Many Gers fans will point to referee Nick Walsh's at times ropey display as to why they lost.

But Rohl was determined to focus on the positives. He's only been in the job a fortnight but insists his squad has taken huge strides forward.

Before, these players might have crumbled in a derby where they were a goal behind and short of a player.

Rohl believes the fact they didn't is proof they're on the right track, giving him encouragement for the future.

As he reflected on his first Old Firm experience, the 36-year-old said: "Consistency is the next step for us.