Source: Team_Talk
Naismith hails never-say-die spirit
The odds were stacked against Rangers heading into the final 20 minutes after Kevin Thomson and Danny Wilson were sent off against a superior St Mirren side.[LNB]But the nine men produced a resilient defensive display to deny Saints any more chances and substitute Naismith broke away before crossing for Kenny Miller to head an 84th-minute winner.[LNB]The triumph was the fifth trophy Rangers have won in just over two years.[LNB]Rangers have never failed to reach a domestic final since Walter Smith returned to the helm in 2007, with a UEFA Cup showpiece taking their total appearances to six.[LNB]With Rangers' financial problems making them unable to make a permanent signing in the last three transfer windows, Naismith believes the settled nature of the squad has resulted in a willingness to battle for each other.[LNB]"Since the gaffer came in, we have taken every tournament to the last day," the former Kilmarnock forward said.[LNB]"That has had a good impact on us, we have a never-say-die attitude.[LNB]"Sunday was the prime example, our heads stayed up and we battled through and got a wee break and went on and scored the goal that won us the cup.[LNB]"The main thing for us is that we have been together for the last two or three years. I think that shows in the never-say-die attitude.[LNB]"We know how each other plays, we are comfortable with everybody and that has probably helped us along the way."[LNB]The victory leaves Scottish Premier League leaders Rangers on course for a domestic treble, but Naismith admits they will have to improve on their Hampden display.[LNB]Rangers continue their cup campaign on Wednesday with an Scottish Cup quarter-final replay against Dundee United at Tannadice.[LNB]"If we play like we did in the first half, it will be hard work," said 23-year-old Naismith.[LNB]"They were the far better team in the first half. They were unfortunate they didn't get their goal and that's what has cost them in the end.[LNB]"It was a wake-up call, the first-half performance, and hopefully one we can now progress from. We have a tough week and we'll just need to get through that and see where we're sitting."[LNB][LNB]
