United comeback was a wake-up call, says Little

Published on Tuesday 16 March 2010 09:04

RANGERS forward Andrew Little insisted there had been no mention of the treble among the players after manager Walter Smith claimed such talk was "premature".

Rangers threw away a two-goal lead on Sunday to draw 3-3 with Dundee United, which consigned them to a Scottish Cup quarter-final replay at Tannadice. The SPL leaders now face St Mirren in the Co-operative Insurance Cup final and Little believes the scare against United could serve as a timely reminder to those who felt silverware was inevitably heading for Ibrox.

"It felt like a loss at the end of the game but the fact we are still in the cup was the only positive we could take from it," Little said.

"When we're in that position we're always fairly confident and tend to close out games well.

"Whether it was a bit of complacency or whatever it was, it's very disappointing we let it happen. I think it was the wake-up call that we needed and the manager let us know that. Hopefully in the league as well it will stop any complacency creeping in.

"There hasn't been any talk of the treble amongst the boys.

"You can't look two games ahead because there is a game coming every few days."

Rangers needed a late replay goal by Kris Boyd to get past St Mirren in the Scottish Cup so Little does not believe complacency will be an issue at Hampden on Sunday.

"We've played St Mirren enough this season to realise it's not going to be an easy game," the Northern Ireland internationalist said. "I'm sure they will be desperate for a bit of silverware. We know it's not going to be easy."

Little last played in the semi-final against St Johnstone and he is keen to sample more games during the busy run-in for Rangers.

"I had my wee bit in January and really enjoyed it," the 20-year-old said.

"Hopefully with all the games coming up, that will be a chance for me."