LEE McCULLOCH heard the Rangers squad get stick from the terraces while they were reaching the Uefa Cup Final.

So the Light Blues skipper insists any flak directed at the current crop of Ibrox stars is water off a duck's back.

Ally McCoist's side notched up their 18th straight win with a 2-0 Scottish Cup triumph over Falkirk last Saturday and will look to extend their huge lead at the top of the League One standings when they host Forfar at Ibrox this evening.

Despite their achievements so far, the Gers have not had the plaudits they deserve.

But McCulloch reckons the lack of praise will only drive the champions to further success.

He said: "It doesn't get to me. I'm sort of used to it. I was in the squad that played in the Uefa Cup Final when we were still getting stick for being there.

"I don't think that's ever going to change. I've won Scottish Cups, League Cups and leagues on the last day of the season.

"Yet there's always someone with something to say.

"I think that's just the way it is at a big club. You're there to be shot at and you've got to have broad shoulders and take that on the chin.

"I think the main thing is the new boys get used to it and get used to it quickly.

"The boys hear bits and read things in the papers. I think somebody had a go at one of our players today in the papers, but you've just got to get on with it.

"You can't react, you've just got to remember it and use it as a motivation to prove other people wrong. So I actually think it can be a good thing.

"The only way to go is to rise above it, especially at a club like this. Numerous players have shown that since I have joined this club and that is the way this club should continue."

Rangers were yesterday kept apart from Old Firm rivals Celtic in the Scottish Cup fifth round draw, but McCulloch admits he misses the derby duels.

He said: "You miss the nerves, the excitement, the pressure. It's a game of the like I've never played in before, even in international football.

"It's different football. It's a hundred miles an hour, the passion of the fans, it's fantastic. I think it would be good for the new boys to experience that sort of atmopshere and pressure."