GRAEME MURTY was proud of the efforts of his Rangers kids as they suffered late Glasgow Cup heartache against Celtic.

The Light Blues came back from two goals down as Glenn Middleton scored twice at Parkhead to set up a grandstand finish.

But it was Celtic that won it at the death as Robbie Deas scored a dramatic winner in the fifth minute of injury-time to clinch the silverware for Tommy McIntyre’s side.

Murty said: “I thought we were going to go and win the game. We had a few opportunities to get another goal but when you don’t do that you open yourself up to the opposition.

“The boy has taken the winner so well and Celtic gave us a good game but we are sore after that.

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“Reece Breen has been on a journey these last few years so the fact he got 90 minutes at Celtic Park in a final is massive for him. I can’t have a go at him for missing a chance with his wrong foot.

“He could have scored but he didn’t and that’s the reality of it.

“I didn’t think it was a free-kick for the winner. We have to deal with a ball into the box better.

“The boy has swivelled and put it in the top corner. The boys have to learn to deal with decisions going against them.

“We want more games with a crowd, at a big stadium and that is better for their development.”

The second half performance of Middleton would have been encouraging for Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard as the winger continues to impress at youth level.

Middleton has struggled for first team chances in recent weeks but showed what he is capable of with two superb finishes.

Murty said: “I was pleased with Glenn’s two goals but he can do more.

The Herald:

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“I am harsh on him as I have known him since he was 15. He knows he can do better and so do I.

“That is the next stage for me, for him to get to the next level.

“His attitude has never been a concern and when I had the chance to bring him from Norwich it was a no brainer.

“He is an asset to the team and since he came back to play for the younger age group he has been great.

“His finishes are first team level finishing and the fact he has played 30 games in the first team is a success.

“We have to make sure we get another one over the line and gets another 30 games, then another to have success.”