PETER LOVENKRANDS has agreed with the 'not good enough' assessment from Steven Gerrard after Rangers missed out on another domestic cup success this season.

The champions suffered a shock defeat to St Johnstone on Sunday night as Callum Davidson's side came from behind to earn a dramatic draw and then emerge victorious on penalties.

Gerrard insisted he wouldn't use the 'cop out' excuse of Rangers dropping their levels after winning the Premiership title last month as he reflected on another failed knock-out campaign.

 

 

Rangers only have the league flag to show for their efforts in three seasons under Gerrard's guidance as they now look to complete an unbeaten top flight term.

Lovenkrands told Sky Sports News: "I agree with Gerrard in what he is saying and it is not good enough for a club the size of Rangers.

"Trophies are what we are all about and to not win a cup in so long, yes, we have won the league, is a huge disappointment.

"Especially after knocking Celtic out in the previous game and you are strong favourites to go and win it.

"To get knocked out before you even get to the semi-finals is a huge disappointment for the club and not where they want to be.

"I understand why he (Gerrard) has come out and said that [winning the league wasn't an excuse], but I do think it can be a wee bit of a factor.

"There was a sense relief for the players and the staff to go and get that league trophy they had been waiting so long for and they did fantastic to go and get it. It might have taken a bit of the edge off.

 

 

"Yes, of course, you prioritise the cups from that, but it is not easy to then get your mind back into it.

"I do think there are other things probably factoring into it, I don’t think it is down to celebrations or anything like that.

"I think they were fully focused on getting the trophy but it just wasn’t to be this season so hopefully they will go and get it next year."