IAN FERGUSON has called on the Rangers players to stand up and be counted this weekend and prove they have the mentality to bring success back to Ibrox.

The Light Blues head to Hampden on Sunday aiming to overcome Old Firm rivals Celtic and secure a place in the Scottish Cup final.

Victory over Brendan Rodgers’ side would be a rare highlight in a campaign to forget for the Gers as they have underachieved and underperformed this term.

Read more: Ian Ferguson: Pedro Caixinha's side has to rise to occasion against CelticGlasgow Times: Ian Ferguson

Boss Pedro Caixinha has targeted cup glory to give his side a solid foundation upon which to build for his first full season in the Premiership.

And nine-in-a-row hero Ferguson knows the Ibrox squad have plenty to prove to show that they are capable of landing major silverware once again.

He told SportTimes: “I am sick and tired of hearing teams and players talking about how they are playing for second place and they want second place as if they are happy about that. That is rubbish.

“I read that Aberdeen have been the second best team for the last three years. Do they not want to be the best team in Scotland?

“You shouldn’t accept that you are the second best team. I have heard that from some Rangers players.

“You shouldn’t want to be number two, you want to be number one. Don’t accept defeat.

“Getting second place means nothing, you have got to be a winner. You have got to win championships at Rangers, you have got to win cups.

“The Scottish Cup could be the perfect platform for them. We haven’t won a major trophy for six years so it is a great opportunity for these players.

“It would be a fantastic achievement and it would breed confidence to carry on for next year.

“Who knows who Pedro will bring in or how many of these players will stay. If you want to stay at Rangers, now is the time to stand up and be counted.”