RANGERS manager Ally McCoist today sounded a note of defiance as he urged his beleaguered players to roll up their sleeves and fight for the jersey.
The Ibrox side are gearing up for a crucial 24 hours off the field as the club fights for its very existence, but McCoist says his players will continue to give everything for the cause.
Adamant that Rangers will be a force once more in Scottish football, McCoist declared: "We will be back. I don't know in what shape or form, but we will be back."
Rangers were a sorry sight as they lost limply to Celtic at Parkhead yesterday afternoon, but the Gers boss believes the pride of the club will stop things from slipping further in the three remaining SPL fixtures.
Despite the fact there is nothing to contest in terms of honours, McCoist was insistent that playing for pride will be sufficient as Rangers aim to cross the finish line of what has been an utterly tumultuous season both on and off the pitch.
"Winning three games for Rangers is the motivation now," he said.
"I think you probably understand it more if you play for Rangers. It is a self-giving motivation. You have to perform and win every game.
"The supporters again turned out and to a man and woman were fantastic and if you want to be honest about it, that's our motivation.
"We have three games coming up, two at home and one away to St Johnstone and you have to have an inner strength and a pride in your job and that is what keeps you going."
Reluctant to blame the off-field situation for the manner in which Rangers fell so abjectly short, McCoist was protective of his players and what they have done this term.
With the bulk of them set to move on in the summer given the current financial situation, McCoist has praised them for keeping going under the circumstances.
"I have nothing but incredible admiration for my players because they have gone through more this season than many players will go through in a lifetime," he said.
"They have always done their level best and it would be grossly unfair of me to sit here and criticise them.
"We'll never know the answer to how big a toll it has taken on them. It is an individual thing. I would have to say you would have to be made of stern stuff for it to not have any effect on you, but it is an individual thing.
"They owe it to each other to keep going. I am incredibly proud of them and what they have done under incredibly trying circumstances.
"But the season is not over and they need to keep going because there is no point in feeling sorry for themselves. That won't happen and we wouldn't allow it."