MOTHERWELL striker Ryan Bowman says Rangers played into their hands during yesterday's Betfred Cup semi-final and has branded Pedro Caixinha’s ‘win or win’ comment as disrespectful.

The Gers boss said in the build-up to the clash at Hampden Park that the Light Blues ‘only have two options – to win or win’, something that riled the Steelmen front man.

Bowman believes his side gave the best response possible with an impressive 2-0 victory, but underlined that the statements made in the lead up to kick-off provided ’Well with extra impetus.

Read more: Rangers boss Pedro Caixinha takes the blame for Hampden defeat against Motherwell

He said: “Outside the football club everyone was writing us off, it was a Rangers and Celtic final. A couple of the players were even tweeting ‘win or win’ and that gives us even more bite and fire.

“And they were playing long balls which suited us, they were playing into our hands really. We have three big guys at the back who can deal with those all day.

When asked if he found the ‘win or win’ comment disrespectful, he replied: “It is, but we didn’t think about it, we just got on with it. If they want to tweet that, bigger fool them now. They look like idiots now.”

Meanwhile, defender Peter Hartley revealed that he had planned to get physical with Gers striker Alfredo Morelos after watching him in action against Hamilton Accies.

Read more: Rangers defender Bruno Alves criticises Motherwell's physical approach and referee Steven McLean after cup loss​

The two players contested a hard-fought battle during a fiery 90 minutes at the national stadium, with Hartley picking up a booking for a robust challenge on the Colombian in the first half.

He said: “I saw him against Hamilton and the big centre-half caught him a few times and I could see him nibble back. It was just something I took on board, I thought if I could introduce myself early doors I might get a bite out of him and I did; but I ended up getting the yellow card first.

“If you look at our team we’re very physical, we introduce ourselves early to opposition players but that’s part of what the gaffer has installed in us.

“We’ve got a good habit of winning games at this minute and if we can do it with good football, and to be fair I don’t think we played well today but we got the job done, we do it physically and mentally and we got the better of Rangers.”