Rangers return to the Bet Butler Stadium on Saturday for the cup tie and Sons will be big underdogs following Saturday’s defeat, but Gilhaney thinks Dumbarton have shown they can compete with the biggest sides in the league.

He said: “We have had a draw against Hibs in the league and we should’ve beat them in the cup. We have drawn at home to Hearts which was good.

“Rangers are the only team of the three big teams in our league we haven’t taken anything from. It would be great to put them out the cup that would give us confidence for the rest of the season, obviously they are a great side and will be massive favourites but we believe we have a chance.” Gilhaney admits that the resources and preparation time a club like Rangers can afford for each match gives them a massive advantage over part-time teams like Dumbarton.

He said: “They’re full time, not just full time but they are a massive club with great facilities. Their players are in every day training, we’re two nights a week then playing on a Saturday.

“That is a big advantage but we are not using that as an excuse, I feel we have done well against these teams, against Rangers okay we’ve had two poor results so hopefully we can put that right this week.” Gilhaney concedes that the cup draw could’ve been kinder to Dumbarton and perhaps they would’ve been hoping for an easier tie, but nevertheless he is looking forward to tackling the Glasgow giants again.

He said: “You would like a winnable game at home to try and progress through the rounds. Last year we were unlucky to lose to Aberdeen in the quarters.

“If you’re not going to get an easier game you want it to be a big team, so we are delighted that we have the chance to go at them again."