RANGERS were written off ...

Rangers were the underdogs ... Rangers won.

Four years ago, like they will on Sunday, the Light Blue legions made their way to Hampden for an Old Firm showdown more in hope than expectation.

Since beating Celtic in the first derby clash of the campaign at Parkhead, they had lost 2-0 at Ibrox, drawn a Scottish Cup tie and then crashed to a 3-0 league defeat in the East End.

Elimination from the Scottish Cup came just weeks before the League Cup final as the momentum swung in Celtic's favour and the Gers found themselves on the back foot.

If their form was temporary, their class was permanent.

After Joe Ledley had cancelled out Steven Davis' opener, Nikica Jelavic scored one of the most famous Old Firm goals in recent years to hand Rangers the silverware and land the first part of what would become a domestic double.

In the four years that have elapsed since the Glasgow giants last did battle at Hampden, plenty has changed on and off the park in both halves of the city.

But former Ibrox hero Sasa Papac hopes that spirit, the will to win and never-say-die attitude has not been lost as Rangers look to defy the odds - stacked even greater against them now - once again this weekend.

He told SportTimes: "A few games before that final, Celtic were more dominant in the Premier League and Scottish Cup and they were favourites for the cup final. It was not an easy time for us and Celtic were in better form in those games.

"But you need to show character in these games, you need to want to win. We showed character and desire and we played well on the day. We all gave everything for the 120 minutes.

"We had players who knew how to win trophies and the gaffer, Walter Smith, had won many trophies and was very experienced in the Old Firm game. He knew how to get the best out of the team.

"Celtic will go into this game as favourites, but the Rangers players must stand up and be counted and show their character. It is a big chance for them.

"Celtic are in better shape, but it is a cup game and anything can happen. Every Rangers player has to do their best and play their best.

"There are problems at Rangers, but they must be forgotten on Sunday."

Just weeks after those Hampden heroics, Rangers would complete the double on the final day of the campaign as Papac won the last of the eight medals he collected during his Ibrox career.

Three years on from his departure from Rangers, the Bosnian remains a firm favourite with supporters.

And his affection for them and the club has not diminished as he has watched on with disbelief and regret at the ongoing Light Blue crisis.

Papac said: "It is sad to see the problems at Rangers. It has been like that for four years now and there are still problems at the club.

"It is a huge club with fantastic supporters and they deserve better. There were a lot of games where the fans got us through and helped us win games and they will need to do that against Celtic.

"The fans have stood by the club through the last few years. They make Rangers special and I hope they have better times soon.

"I hope the Rangers fans will come back and support the team like before - when they feel they can. I know they are not happy with this situation.

"I have a lot of sympathy for the fans. I believe in them and I believe they will help Rangers get over these problems."