JAMES TAVERNIER reckons Rangers have overcome a psychological barrier by ending their Hampden hoodoo with victory over Hearts.

The Light Blues booked their place in the Betfred Cup final with a 3-0 win on Sunday as a Filip Helander strike before the break and second half brace from Alfredo Morelos clinched a comfortable triumph.

Steven Gerrard’s side will now face Celtic in the final next month as the 39-year-old looks to land his first silverware as boss and give Rangers a huge boost heading into the second half of the Premiership title race.

Rangers have struggled at the National Stadium in recent years and this was their first victory here since beating their Old Firm rivals in the Scottish Cup during Mark Warburton’s reign.

Tavernier has endured his fair share of difficult afternoons at the home of Scottish football and was captain last term as Gerrard’s side were beaten at the semi-final stage by Aberdeen.

The Gers now have the silverware in their sights ahead of a huge Old Firm showdown and Tavernier is determined to end the eight-year long wait for success at Hampden.

He said: “I have said throughout the season that this is the best team that I have played in since I have been here.

“We have a good group of lads who are well experienced and know when to win games. Delighted with the efforts we have put in today.

“That's what we wanted to do before the game. We haven't had the greatest of semi-finals since I have been here but a club like Rangers needs to be in finals and competing for trophies.

“We knew it would be a tough game today but we handled Hearts the best we could and came out on top.

“It is always difficult because you are always playing with a new team since the previous years.

“We knew at the start of the season we needed consistency and I think we have shown it so far.

“It is a level of performance the boys are putting in, that is what the gaffer demands and everyone delivered today.

"I believe [we have overcome a psychological hurdle], especially the lads who have been here.

“Obviously the new lads that came in, that's what they were brought in to do, to take this club to finals and they have done that today.

“Everybody wants to win a cup. Us lads in that changing room all want to win a cup and be successful but we will concentrate on the Europa and the season and when the final comes along we will concentrate on that.”