Derek McInnes expecting Rangers backlash against Killie after Hampden defeat

Derek McInnes is preparing to face a wounded animal when Kilmarnock travel to take on Rangers at Ibrox but the Rugby Park boss still believes his side are capable of ending their “horrendous” away form with a positive result.

The Glasgow side are fresh off a defeat to city-rivals Celtic in Sunday’s League Cup final and the Killie manager, who spent five years at Ibrox as a player, knows there will be disappointment in the dressing room but expects them to “come at” his men from kick-off as they bid to make amends to the home support.

Michael Beale has won every game outside of two Old Firm games since he was appointed to the role at the end of last year and will be looking to get back into winning ways against the Ayrshire club on Saturday when they also have a chance to cut the nine-point gap at the top of the league.

But Kilmarnock are currently second bottom of the Premiership and will looking to do all they can to take something from the game and give their chances of survival a major boost.

Speaking to the press on Tuesday, McInnes said: “We are in a position we don’t want to be in, we always knew it was going to be tough and it’s important we demonstrate the confidence we have here.

“I think we have enough to stay in the building, our away form has been horrendous this season but thankfully our home form has been a lot better.

“Every manager is depending on their players performing and producing results.”

“We can take confidence from the fact we have been to Glasgow twice this season, at Hampden and Parkhead, and put in good performances.

“When we go to Ibrox on Saturday we can’t take Rangers on in a possession based game, it isn’t like for like but we have to demonstrate aspects of our game that can make it difficult for them.

“We will need to try and disrupt the play, not let them enjoy the game and try to nullify the threats they have left, right and centre.

“To get a positive result we are going to have to do it all so well, but that’s what we’ll be there for and hopefully we can be good enough.

“The nature of Rangers as a club is they have to go again despite the defeat in the cup final, there will be disappointment but they have been pretty consistent.

“They have been showing more of an attacking threat recently and they will come at is but that’s what are expecting going to Ibrox.

“We are expecting them to come at us and show they are a good team and we will have to deal with that.

“Since Michael’s come in they have had some good results and I expect them to ask questions of us, but I also expect us to find the answers and hopefully get a positive result from it.”

A victory for Rangers will see them move to within six points of Celtic who play St Mirren in Paisley 24 hours later.