STEVEN GERRARD accepted the blame for the shock quarter-final defeat that ended Rangers' unbeaten start to the campaign and their chances of Betfred Cup success this season.
The Gers were beaten 3-2 by St Mirren as the Buddies advanced to a last four meeting with Livingston and ensured that Gerrard's wait for a trophy at Ibrox will continue.
Rangers were ahead inside seven minutes thanks to Connor Goldson but a last-minute equaliser from Steven Davis couldn't save their cup dreams in the end as a Jamie McGrath double and dramatic winner from Connor McCarthy condemned them to their first loss of the campaign.
Gerrard said: "To call it a crazy night would be respectful to us. Look, we haven’t performed well and I’m responsible for that.
"I made all the decision, the tactical and personnel, I tweaked certain things.
"This is one where I’ll take the blame, I’m responsible for it all – because the players have been absolutely first class since the first day of pre-season.
"We’ve had an awful lot of praise as a group, defensively and offensively
"But tonight we just weren’t at it. An to concede the three goals in the manner that we did is obviously disappointing.
"But I’m responsible for it. So we have to take what’s going to come our way. It’ll be a bit different for us,; in terms of the season.
"I’ll demand that we react in the right way. I’m bitterly disappointed because it’s an opportunity missed.
"We can’t allow the disappointment to spiral. At the moment emotions are running high, after a setback like this,
"But you have a choice in these situations. And you find out a lot about the group, about players.
"I know what I’ll be doing. I’ll be trying to react in a positive way.
"Of course it will sting. It will hurt. But it’s my job to pick them up and make use they go again."
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