IT would be a means to an end, a step closer to the ultimate aim but a reminder that there is still some work to be done.

Victory over Motherwell tomorrow would be a significant moment for Rangers, but it wouldn’t the be all and end all for Pedro Caixinha.

If the Portuguese can return to Hampden next month and hold the Betfred Cup towards the Light Blue legions, then he will consider it job done.

There is, of course, a lot of football to be played before that dream has a chance of becoming a reality for Caixinha.

And the Gers boss won’t place any added significance on a semi-final win if his side do what is expected of them and overcome Stephen Robinson’s side tomorrow afternoon.

“Taking the team to the final would mean nothing,” Caixinha said. “Two years ago they went to a final and didn’t win it.

“First we need to get there and we are working hard to get there.

“We know it is not going to be easy, especially in a semi-final and we know the type of opponent we are going to play.

“But, as I told you, we have two thoughts to win or win. We are working really hard to get there.

“Once we get to the final, finals are made to win, so let’s go but first we need to get the qualification.”

There may be an added significance on the semi-final fixture but it has been business as normal for Caixinha this week.

The 46-year-old suffered an Old Firm defeat on his first trip to Hampden last term as Celtic took another step towards what would become a domestic clean sweep.

The preparation work has been done. Now Rangers must put the theory into practice.

“I just like to win,” Caixinha said. “I sleep like an angel.

“I don’t deal with those situations because you start to win the games with your preparations during the week.

“I am not going to change nothing if I don’t sleep the night before.

“Normally I sleep very well and I don’t change my habits, I do exactly the same because the work has already been done.

“I am not going to change anything than watch the match and then take decisions along the way.”

While Motherwell have nothing to lose in many ways as they head to Hampden as underdogs, the pressure is all on Caixinha and his players this weekend.

Reaching the final won’t be seen as an achievement by a demanding and expectant fan base, one that is craving success after a six-year long wait for major silverware.

Rangers host Kilmarnock on Wednesday night and then face Hearts at Murrayfield in what could prove to be a defining few days for Caixinha.

Wins over Hamilton and St Johnstone have eased the pressure on his shoulders. All eyes will be on him on each occasion this week, though.

Caixinha said: “I’m happy. I don’t like to speak in advance but I know we could have 35,000. After we will have 50,000 in one week and after we will have around 15,000 or so.

“So 100,000 fans in six days. That’s how massive this club is. We need to show passion to make these fans happy.

“We have the ambition of winning the cup. Winning is the only thing that moves us but we are not feeling that responsibility. We are focusing on our tasks.

“The only goal is win the game on Sunday - the only other option is win. We think we can win a major trophy in November.”

If that aim is to be realised, Rangers will have to do something that they haven’t done on Caixinha’s watch and win a third match on the spin on Sunday.

The back-to-back Premiership successes either side of the international break have given supporters a reason to be optimistic as the new-look Light Blues strive for further improvement.

The team spirit within his ranks is a key factor for Caixinha. Winning is the ultimate motivator, though.

“It is all important,” he said. “Everything plays something of importance.

“It is important to take the players out of their natural habit to get that gel but winning, especially like we have in the last two matches with a strong collective attitude, gives us trust and confidence.

“Those are the best positive energies you can get. Hard work, alongside with all those things. I don’t like recipes but that is a good recipe.”

In Motherwell, the Gers will encounter a side that have won six of their last eight outings and sit just a point behind them in the Premiership standings.

And that is the only clash that Caixinha will focus on as he waits to find out whether Celtic or Hibernian will stand between his side and a winner’s medal.

“No, we will be training here in the morning and then I want to finish all the details,” he said when asked if he will go to the other semi-final this afternoon.

“After that I’ll have half the afternoon free, go to the city centre and have a coffee and do some of the shopping I need to at this moment, then have a good dinner and wait for the next day.”