Source: Team_Talk
Whittaker: Double down to belief
A Nacho Novo goal was all that separated the two sides in a hard-fought clash at Hampden on Saturday, with the SPL strugglers more than a match for the new Scottish champions for large spells of the game. But, having triumphed in the Scottish Premier League days earlier, Whittaker insists there was no way Rangers were going to give up the chance to claim a second piece of silverware this season.
"Determination and a winning mentality got us through in the end," said the full-back.
"We knew Falkirk were going to have stages where they would keep the ball from us.
"It was about keeping solid and keeping their chances to a minimum and hitting them on the break.
"We managed to do that a couple of times but it took something special from Nacho Novo to get us in the lead."
Novo netted the decisive goal - a superb 40-yard volley - within seconds of coming off the bench and Whittaker was not surprised to see the Spaniard have an instant impact on the game.
He said: "Any time Nacho comes off the bench, he gives us a lift.
"He's got great energy and we know what he is capable of. But the strike he produced for the goal was just unbelievable."
Whittaker helped Rangers claim both domestic cups last season but insists this double has been the highlight of his career so far.
"It's a dream come true this year," he said.
"To win the league and Scottish Cup double is what dreams are made of. We are all just delighted to get the victory.
"I've been at the club for two years now and I've made a number of appearances in both seasons so I definitely know what it means and what it takes to be a Rangers player and hopefully I can continue next year as well."
Meanwhile, Whittaker expressed his surprise at the news his former club Hibernian are searching for a new manager after Mixu Paatelainen quit on Friday night.
He said: "It was a bit of a shock and I'm not quite sure what went on there.
"But hopefully they will find the right man for the job."
