Steven Davis has his say on Rangers criticism - 'it wasn’t a nice feeling in the dressing room'

So far, it is the only defeat they have suffered in 31 games this season – but Steven Davis believes Rangers have to accept the fresh doubts raised about their mentality in the aftermath of the Betfred Cup quarter-final defeat at St Mirren two weeks ago.

Steven Davis says Rangers can have no complaints about criticism of their performance in the Betfred Cup quarter-final at St Mirren as they look to make amends on their return to Paisley in the Premiership on Wednesday. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)

It sparked the return of a familiar narrative questioning whether Steven Gerrard’s squad can handle the pressure of trying to end a decade without major silverware for the Ibrox club.

Rangers have responded robustly to the error-strewn 3-2 loss against Saints, winning their last three Premiership matches to establish a 16-point lead over Celtic at the top of the table.

As they prepare for their return to Paisley for league business on Wednesday, Davis insists they can have no complaints about the stick they received for a solitary setback in an otherwise impressive campaign to date.

“I would never say the criticism is unfair,” said the veteran midfielder. “I think we know what comes with the territory. That was a great opportunity for us to get ourselves to the next stage of a cup we wanted to win, so criticism is going to come your way when you are playing for a club of this stature.

“That will always be the case but it is also why we all want to play here, it is what we are striving for but the most important thing is that off the back of it has been the response. It is important that we put that to bed and are fully focused to go and get results in future games.

“It wasn’t a nice feeling in the dressing room after the last game in Paisley and it was important for us to reset and resettle after that and make sure that we got back to winning ways as soon as possible.

“That is the response that you have to have. There is so much football to be played that you have to go in with the right mentality and the mentality within the group is strong.

“I feel, certainly, that with the additions that were made in the summer the squad is a lot stronger and there is that competition for places that will keep you in a better place. Everyone wants to get the shirt and if we keep pushing each other on a daily basis, hopefully we can go on and have a successful season.

“I wouldn’t say revenge is the right terminology to use about Wednesday’s game but obviously we were really disappointed with the last one against them.

“It was a great opportunity we missed, so we know we need to be better but we also need to be respectful of St Mirren and the quality they have.

“They are a very well-organised team, they are on a rich vein of form as well so they will go into the game confidently. But I think we have to show our quality from the very start of the game and earn the right to play. Hopefully, we can come out with the right result this time.”

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