Inside Rangers’ Hampden half-time showdown – where players took over from boss Philippe Clement

VACLAV CERNY last night insisted Rangers can take heart from their Hampden fightback — as he urged his team-mates to believe in themselves.

At half-time on Sunday, with the boos once again ringing in their ears, Philippe Clement’s side trudged up the tunnel like a team with nothing more to give.

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Andy Halliday’s opener for Motherwell had further dented their already fragile confidence, and Gers had a mountain to climb.

By the end, the jeers had turned to cheers — with Nedim Bajrami’s winner pulling under-fire boss Clement back from the brink.

Now Cerny insists it’s vital Gers build on their hard-fought weekend win when they face Olympiacos in Athens on Thursday in another massive Europa League clash.

Asked how vital the backing of the fans was in the second half against Well, Cerny insisted: “It’s important they keep with us like they did on Sunday.

“They see when we do the right things and when we play our football you feel it back from them.

“We just want to build consistency and have a good run of games to build confidence for all of us.

“It’s to be with the ball and without the ball. Don’t forget it’s a team and a squad that’s only been together for a short period of time, with a lot of new players.

“You see moments where it looks really good.

“We work hard every single day on details and it’s going to pay off. It’s time for us to realise how good we can be.”

For the second time in recent weeks, Clement and his players were hounded up the tunnel at half-time.

The Belgian was potentially 45 minutes from the sack, with the leadership group taking charge at the interval.

More than a few home truths were delivered in the changing room, as Gers stars set about rescuing their Premier Sports Cup hopes.

Asked about the boos, Cerny insisted: “Then, at that point, it’s very important to say a few things to each other, stick together, and get out in the second half and show how good we can be.

“Even with things not going exactly like we would want them to go, we showed good faith in the second half.

“It’s not important who says what — it’s what is said that’s important and that we do them.

“Those things have to stay in the dressing room. The most important thing is the faith we showed.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game in the semi-final. It’s a one-off tie.

“We showed character in the second half and quality as well.

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“We’re delighted to get through to the final and especially the way we did it.”

Cerny, who missed last Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat to Aberdeen at Pittodrie, continued his recent fine run of form, playing a huge part in both of Gers’ goals.

Much-maligned hitman Cyriel Dessers equalised early in the second half, then Bajrami struck the winner ten minutes from time.

From a Gers point of view, there were huge sighs of relief all round.
Cerny was proud to play his part in the win, but added: “That’s my job.

“I want to create things, bring ideas in the final third, and I’m trying to be the person to create chances not only for the team but also for myself.

“Just to be in those positions is very important for me.

“I’m glad for the past few games it’s going well.

“The reason? It’s everything combined.

“I feel good, I feel fit — and that for me is the major thing, that I feel healthy and can go every three days.

“Once I get the flow I just want to keep it and do everything I can to keep it.

“It was tough having to sit out the Aberdeen game, but it was a good decision.

“I’ve been playing so many games for the past two months and my legs felt it.

“It was the decision that was made and health-wise it was a good decision.

“It was tough for me not being there with the guys. I knew how important that game was.”

Cerny came through 90 minutes against Well unscathed.

Rangers had a recovery session yesterday, and will today ramp up their preparations ahead of flying to Greece to face last season’s Conference League winners.

It promises to be another pivotal night for Clement and his players, with Gers looking to build on the thumping 4-0 win against Steaua Bucharest last time out.

It will be a tough task against the Greeks — who have also won two of their first three games — but Cerny is confident Gers can get a result.

He said: “I’m all good to go, all fit and I can’t wait to be there.

“Getting a result, that has to be our mindset. We go there to win.”

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