Dan Neil delivers Rangers mentality message ahead of Aberdeen cup showdown

Rangers vice-captain Dan Neil insists Rangers must seize their opportunity to win silverware as they prepare for Saturday's Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Aberdeen at Hampden.

The midfielder, who joined Rangers from Sunderland in the summer on a free transfer, is now just two matches away from potentially lifting his first trophy with the club.

Neil admits the prospect of winning silverware was a major factor behind his move to Ibrox, but insists the squad cannot look beyond the immediate challenge of reaching the final.

“It's a big reason why I came up,” he said. “But to have any chance, you have to win the game on Saturday. The full focus is on Aberdeen.”

The 24-year-old is also looking forward to experiencing Hampden Park for the first time, having previously played at Wembley during his time in English football.

“I haven't actually been there, so I'm really looking forward to seeing the venue,” he explained. “I've been told it's a very big pitch.”

Neil believes his previous experience of playing in major occasions can help him prepare for the occasion, particularly with Rangers targeting a place in the final.

“It's definitely something I've taken things from, because it was such a big occasion,” he added.

“The overall preparation going into the game, probably mentally more than physically, is something I'll try my best to help everyone in the squad with.”

Neil addresses Rangers response after Hearts draw

Rangers head into the semi-final following their disappointing 2-2 draw with Hearts at Tynecastle, where they surrendered their advantage before eventually rescuing a point thanks to an Olwethu Makhanya header late in the game.

Manager Derek McInnes indicated that honest conversations would take place following the performance, and Neil confirmed the squad had already discussed areas for improvement.

“It's a natural thing as a squad to do,” he said. “I don't think it's about calling emergency meetings. Day to day, we'll have conversations about where we can improve as a team and where individuals can improve, whether that's on or off the pitch.

“There were negatives to the performance, but I think there were also positives. We spoke about both sides of it and now we move on to Saturday, hopefully taking those things into the game.

“I thought the performance definitely wasn't perfect and the first half wasn't good enough.

“We didn't get a grip of the game until we went 2-1 down, to be honest. We have to do it from the start of the game.

“It's a basic that you have to turn up to every game and do. We have to hold each other accountable for that, and we do.”

Rangers vice-captain embraces leadership responsibility

Neil has taken on additional responsibility since arriving at Ibrox, regularly wearing the captain's armband in Lawrence Shankland’s injury enforced absence and helping lead a relatively young squad.

He admits the role has presented a different challenge compared to his previous experience at Sunderland but believes it has given him extra motivation.

“Coming to a new club is a little bit different, especially being given a leadership role quite early in your journey,” he explained.

“But I think it's given me that extra motivation to help everyone around me as well as trying to help myself.”

The midfielder also discussed his developing partnership with Nicolas Raskin, describing his teammate as a major influence within the dressing room.

“Nico's a fantastic player and a big voice and personality in the changing room,” Neil said.

“We get on really well off the pitch and it's still quite early days in the partnership. There's loads we can learn about each other's games, but it's been going well so far.

“Any time you've got a chance of potentially getting your hands on silverware, it's a chance you have to take.

“Every single player who's won a medal didn't have one at some point. It's about getting over that hurdle.

“We've got a really good chance of doing that early in the season, which could springboard some momentum in our favour.

“If you want to win silverware, these are the games you have to try and come out on the right end of the result. All the lads know that.”