Rangers keeper Matt Gilks could have been a Hampden hero but he will be a substitute against St Johnstone

Matt Gilks produced his finest performance in Light Blue but didn’t have a reason to celebrate as Celtic left it late on Sunday.

The keeper was given the nod by boss Mark Warburton for the Betfred Cup semi-final as Wes Foderingham had to settle for a seat on the bench. It was a show of faith in the 34-year-old after his appearances in the previous rounds of the competition.

It was mainly thanks to Gilks that this tie was still on a knife-edge come the 87th minute, when Moussa Dembele broke Gers hearts with a clinical finish.

Read more: Mark Warburton: Rangers can take positives from Celtic clash despite Hampden heartache

The former Scotland shot-stopper produced a string of impressive saves at the National Stadium but he is likely to lose his starting spot to Foderingham when St Johnstone visit Ibrox on Wednesday night.

Gilks said: “Being a number two as a goalkeeper - and I’m not a good one - I’ve been around longer than some of these lads I’m playing with and I’ve got to be professional about it.

“Wes has been doing well in the league but just because you’ve done well in the cup game doesn’t mean you’re going to be selected in the next league match.

Read more: Mark Warburton: Rangers can take positives from Celtic clash despite Hampden heartache

“I’ve got to keep working hard, get my head down. I’ve got to keep working and see if I can get in the team.”

Since making the move north of the border in the summer, Gilks has had to be patient and wait for his chance to impress for Warburton’s side.

He kept clean sheets in the wins over Annan, East Stirling, Peterhead and Queen of the South as the Light Blues made it through to the last four.

His resistance only lasted so long on Sunday as Celtic’s pressure finally paid off and they set up a final meeting with Aberdeen next month.

For Gilks, there was obvious disappointment. But he was pleased to be back in action and showing what he can do between the sticks.

He said: “For Rangers [it is my best game], definitely. But I’ve not played for two years.

“One of the reasons I left Burnley was to get games and, thankfully, the manager has trusted me enough to put me into the cup games.

“I think the manager knows what I can do. I’ve been at the club long enough and a work hard, day in, day out.

“I’m just thankful that I did my part for the team – until that point.

“It’s up there with one of my best performances. But I’ll still pick Newcastle away, a 2-0 win with Blackpool.”

Still reeling from the 5-1 demolition derby defeat at Parkhead last month, Rangers made the trip to Hampden with a point to prove and their sights set on a final spot.

A lack of cutting edge once again proved costly for Warburton’s side as they struggled to assert themselves as an attacking force.

There were positives in other areas for the Gers boss and keeper Gilks was frustrated their efforts were not rewarded at Hampden.

He said: “It’s disappointing, in the end. We kept ourselves in the game until 85 minutes and more, so to concede so late is tough.

“We were probably looking to go to extra time and hopefully capitalise on another 30 minutes. It wasn’t to be, unfortunately. We held out as long as we could as a back five.

“I thought the back four were excellent today. Lee Hodson coming in, he was brilliant, Rob Kiernan is getting better every day, Clint Hill’s experience shone through – and we all know what to expect from Lee Wallace, the ultimate professional.

Read more: Mark Warburton: Rangers can take positives from Celtic clash despite Hampden heartache

“So we are bitterly disappointed, as a back five, to lose that game.

“The goal goes through my legs. I think it went through Rob’s legs, as well.

“It’s probably one of the places a goalkeeper can’t do anything about. You know, how quick can you shut your legs? It’s just one of those things.

“He’s three or four yards out – and it’s a cheeky finish. It’s a good finish from a good player, we’re not going to deny that he’s a good player, and they’ve gone on to win it because of that goal.

“But we will have a look at why it came about and see if we can rectify any faults.”