THE wins brought memories for supporters. It is medals that Giovanni van Bronckhorst needs most of all.

Victories over Braga and Celtic were rightly celebrated last week, but each triumph - dramatic and thrilling in their own respective right - will ultimately count for nothing if Rangers don't lift silverware at the end of their Europa League and Scottish Cup campaigns.

Such occasions should be savoured by those that earned famous successes and those that were there to witness such nerve-shredding but joyous fixtures at Ibrox and Hampden as Van Bronckhorst emerged with huge credit from two potentially defining fixtures.

The Dutchman has often cut a reserved figure on the touchline. As Braga were beaten and Celtic conquered, it was clear what emotions were coursing through the veins of the 47-year-old.

A distinguished career at the highest level with Rangers, Arsenal and Barcelona, as well as captain of his country, gives Van Bronckhorst an understanding of what is required as manager of such a club and institution.

And former Ibrox defender Alan Hutton knows the drive to deliver silverware will be as strong as ever as Rangers dare to dream and set their sights on a remarkable cup double during the closing weeks of the campaign.

“I was a young boy when he was at the club, but I know how much it means to him," Hutton said.

“He played for Rangers and is now the manager, so back-to-back defeats from Celtic, he would not have liked that and you could see the emotion from him after the game at Hampden last Sunday.

“You could see what it meant, so he’ll want to kick on from here.

“All of these Rangers players are judged on what you win. You have to win. You have to get silverware.

“The semi-final was a big statement from them having gone from extra-time against Braga and into extra-time against Celtic. So it is up to them to chase Celtic down now.”

That chase will resume this weekend when Rangers head to Fir Park and aim to secure the victory over Motherwell that would reduce their deficit in the title race to three points.

Celtic will, of course, have the chance to restore that advantage at Ross County on Sunday afternoon and it would be a surprise if Ange Postecoglou's side allow their Hampden heartache to linger.

Rangers' title aspirations remain forlorn despite their knockout achievements. All the champions can do is take care of their own business and hope for the best.

“The semi-final was an absolutely massive result. Huge," Hutton said. "The team went into the game under pressure after back-to-back defeats against Celtic and they needed a big performance.

“I think they got that, so I am looking forward to the Scottish Cup Final and you never know what can happen in the league.

“After Sunday’s result, there are still five games left and it is up to them to go and put down a marker.

“Celtic have to go and get it over the line. If they do slip up, and remember it is games against the other top teams in the league so there are going to be no easy ones, Rangers are now going to be chasing them all of the way.

“Rangers faced a defining week. There was no getting away from that fact. The European performance and then the game against Celtic.

“Had they beaten in both of those games, the season was effectively done. But it is the opposite and it can kick Rangers on now.

“Again, they know the league is going to be difficult. There are only five games left and with six points as well as the goal difference, it is going to be tough. But I’m sure they will keep going until the end.”

If Rangers are to keep their faint hopes of title glory alive and realise their ambitions of lifting silverware at home and abroad, they are going to have to do it the hard way this term.

The loss of Alfredo Morelos to injury could have been the final nail in their medal targets this term but Van Bronckhorst's side have adapted and shown their character and quality.

Fears over just where the goals to win games and trophies would come from have been allayed so far and the coming weeks offer a chance for heroes to emerge and legends to be made.

Hutton said: “Kemar Roofe has had to bide his time behind Alfredo Morelos. He had shown glimpses of what he was capable of such as when we went on and scored a winner against the likes of Aberdeen.

“It was difficult for him in the previous Old Firm games because the service to him was not good. He needs bodies around him.

“I played against him when he was at Leeds, so I’ve seen him up close and personal and I know that he is a fantastic footballer.

“It’s been difficult coming up to Rangers and, maybe, having to play a little bit second fiddle to Morelos.

“But he’s a different profile of a player. He can hold the ball up, he likes one-twos and getting shots off quickly.

“Morelos is different. He can occupy two centre-backs, Roofe is not going to do that and you have to play to his strengths.

“Like you saw last Sunday for Scott Arfield’s goal, if you get bodies around Roofe in attacking areas, he can help to create."