CAPTAIN Lee Wallace spoke of his joy at leading Rangers to their first piece of knock-out silverware since the 2011 League Cup and praised the Ibrox fans’ Hampden turnout.

“It means the world to me, and today was just absolutely tremendous,” he told RangersTV.tv after the Petrofac Training Cup final win over Peterhead. “To see the support today – 48,000 Rangers fans turning up at the national stadium – it meant it was up to us to relish our responsibilities.

“We had to relish playing in front of that magnificent support, and after failing three times in this competition it was hugely important to us to put that right and to give this first cup back to the fans, who deserve it more than anybody.

“It was a weird feeling walking up those stairs for the first time to lift a cup, but it was an outstanding feeling and one I can’t really put into words.

“My overriding emotion is for the team, and how well they have done thus far. It was a great moment for all of the squad, the management staff, and of course the fans.”

On opponents Peterhead, Wallace continued: “They were always going to be hardworking and resolute. It was about us being patient and staying true to our principles, and we have done that a lot this season.

“It was important to score a few goals, keep the momentum high and get the supporters celebrating.”

Wallace was taken off midway through the second half after suffering pain in his ribs, but he insisted the move was precautionary and he will be fit to face Celtic in Sunday’s William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final.

Wallace added: “For next week, nothing will change in our preparations. We are fully aware of the magnitude of the game, and the media build-up. We’ll just prepare accordingly though and prepare as consistently as we have done since day one.”

Team-mate Rob Kiernan told RangersTV: “Winning the cup is absolutely brilliant and we’re all thrilled for the fans. They come week in and week out to back us and it’s a great day for them all. It was a fantastic occasion today and we’re all going to really enjoy it.

“It’s also a good start for us at the national stadium and good for us to get a taste of it. It’ll stand us in good stead for next week”

For Harry Forrester, it was a first senior trophy. He said: “I enjoyed it a lot and this is exactly what we work hard for every day in training.

“We’ve worked hard for these kinds of days since we were young. This is our first one and hopefully there are many more to come.”

Manager Mark Warburton said: “I’m delighted for the fans. To have that level of support was just magnificent. Everyone to a man stayed to the end for the players’ lap of honour so I’m delighted for them.

“They’ve had some tough times of late but they were able to enjoy the occasion and so did the players.”