Nicola Docherty has revealed a Hampden post-mortem has been the catalyst for Rangers’ surge this season.

The full-back was part of the side who lost the league then the Scottish Cup within a week last season. Glasgow City nicked the championship at Ibrox in dramatic circumstances before Celtic claimed the Scottish Cup at Hampden at Rangers’ expense. There was a change of manager with Jo Potter taking over from Malky Thomson but the shift in mentality has been more notable this season.

Rangers have yet to lose a game as they head into the clash with Celtic at the Excelsior with a four-point cushion at the top of the table. “It did feel like a long summer,” said the Scotland international. “It was tough to take at the time. Disappointments can definitely spur you on for the next season and with the players we have now, we have kicked on in abundance.