MARK WARBURTON insists there were positives for Rangers to take home from Hampden despite missing out on a Betfred Cup final spot.

The Light Blues suffered their second Old Firm defeat of the campaign as Celtic snatched a 1-0 win at the National Stadium.

A late strike from Moussa Dembele proved the difference on the day as Brendan Rodgers’ side set up a final showdown with Aberdeen next month.

Rangers went into the semi-final clash still reeling from the 5-1 defeat they suffered at Parkhead but turned in an improved performance against the Hoops.

Read more: Clint Hill: Rangers showed they can match Celtic despite suffering another Old Firm defeatGlasgow Times:

Warburton said: “We’ve lost a semi at Hampden 1-0 so there is disappointment and frustration. But I think there were a lot of positives to take out of the game.

“We worked very hard to move forward and gel as a team and I hope very much you so that.

“We can’t afford to sit there and mope around for two or three days. We have a very important league game on Wednesday and again on Saturday against tough opposition.

Read more: Clint Hill: Rangers showed they can match Celtic despite suffering another Old Firm defeat

“We can’t afford any hangover. The important thing is to look at the game and learn from it – as we always do – but there are a lot of positives.

“The so-called gap is a lot narrower than people think, I hope, but we have to learn from today’s performance.”

It has been a mixed start to the campaign so far for Rangers as they have suffered a series of blows and seen their silverware dreams dashed in recent weeks.

The Gers are seven points adrift of Celtic in the Premiership title race and have to quickly regroup from their Hampden disappointment as attentions turn to the visit of St Johnstone on Wednesday night.

Warburton’s side have come under fire from all quarters this term but the Ibrox boss was pleased with the reaction of his players on Sunday.

He said: “It is about self-belief. You can talk all you like about it with you guys, but you have to do your talking on the pitch.

“What’s the best way of keeping your critics quiet? To go and win games of football. That’s what we have to do.

“So we are disappointed today but I hope you saw that there were many positives in the game for us. The players are stepping up. They were on the front foot and far more aggressive in their pressing.

“The tempo was higher and we were very brave in many situations. So I’m delighted with the players.

“I think they showed their quality. There is no lack of desire, work ethic or focus. The players know what they have to do, they know the club they are playing for and the expectations.

“There is a lot of pressure on them. But we are getting there. The aim is to work hard and continue that progress.”

It may have taken until the 87th minute for Dembele to break the deadlock but Celtic could have won by a more comfortable margin.

Read more: Clint Hill: Rangers showed they can match Celtic despite suffering another Old Firm defeat

The Hoops were denied on several occasions by stand-in shot-stopper Matt Gilks as the 34-year-old repaid Warburton for sticking by him for the derby clash.

Gilks is likely to lose the gloves to Wes Foderingham for the return to league duty on Wednesday but once again proved he can be called upon when needed.

Warburton said: “Just look at his CV and look and where he has played in the Premier League and what he has achieved. He is an outstanding goalkeeper.

“What we had to do over the summer was to recruit someone of that quality to push Wes all the way.

“Matt’s frustration is that he can’t get in the team every week but I know I can throw him into any game at any time.”