The victory over Motherwell on Sunday has become the latest outing that has been spoken about as a foundation fixture for Rangers. Like the matches with Malmo and FCSB before them, it has assumed added significance as a potential turning point for a side that have taken as many steps backwards as forwards over the course of the campaign.

Philippe Clement described it as a ‘reference game’ after seeing Rangers come from behind to progress to the League Cup final, courtesy of goals from Cyriel Dessers and Nedim Bajrami. Clement pointed to the approach and the mentality that were required at Hampden and that will be required ahead of a defining run that will shape his silverware aspirations and his job security.

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For Vaclav Cerny, Sunday was more a continuation than a fresh start. His reference game came last month against Lyon. From the adversity of that evening, Cerny has made the most of the opportunities that have come his way.

The Czech did not add to his numbers against the Steelmen but a Man of the Match accolade was a fitting reward for his part in the win. It was the latest positive performance from Cerny after he scored his sixth goal of the term against St Mirren the previous weekend.

Cerny spoke openly and honestly about the difficulties he encountered in the aftermath of that outing against Lyon. As Rangers felt the collective despair of defeat, he carried his own individual burden after a costly miss in the opening stages. Clement later heralded his strength of character and supported his decision to come off social media after Cerny became a target for a fanbase that have so many to aim at right now.

Cerny had a hand in both of the goals that Clement’s side scored as Rangers recovered from Andy Halliday’s opener that threatened to send their season into a tailspin. The flashes of excellence that Cerny showed in the early stages of his Rangers career have turned into a sustained impact.

“That’s my job, I want to create things, bring ideas in the final third and I’m trying to be the person to create chances for the team and also for myself,” Cerny said as he reflected on his role against Motherwell. “Just to be in those positions is very important for me. I’m glad for the past few games it’s going well.

(Image: StatsBomb) “It’s everything combined. I feel good, fit and that for me is the major thing. That I feel healthy and can go every three days. Once I get the flow I just want to keep it and do everything I can to keep it.”

At half-time on Sunday, it was not stretching the narrative to say that Clement’s position as manager was on the line. A term of so many setbacks could simply not sustain a Hampden exit and the Belgian revealed he noticed a nervousness amongst his squad when they regrouped after a largely lacklustre 45 minutes that had seen a profligate Rangers undone by a defensive lapse.

The fact that Rangers once again started so poorly must be a source of concern for Clement and such a pattern is unsustainable. He can, though, take heart from the response after the break. That is the position that Cerny assumed when looking back on a deserved win that has set up a meeting with Celtic next month.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game in the semi-final,” Cerny said. “It’s a one-off game. We showed character in the second half and quality as well. We’re delighted to get through to the final and especially the way we did it.

“Yeah [it was difficult at half-time]. Then it’s very important to say a few things to each other, stick together and get out in the second half and show how good we can be. Even with things not going exactly like we would want them to go, we showed good faith in the second half.

“It’s not important who says them - it’s what is said that’s important and that we do them. Those things have to stay in the dressing room. The most important thing is the faith we showed.”

That faith was in short supply amongst supporters before a ball was kicked at Hampden. Losing to Aberdeen in midweek was the final straw for many but Clement continues to work for short-term success and plan for long-term achievement in the face of so much comment and conjecture around where Rangers are right now.

Cerny was a late withdrawal from the squad for the trip to Pittodrie and his influence was sorely missed in a display that lacked imagination and cutting edge. If Clement is to record another important win this week, he will need the 27-year-old to be at his best against an Olympiacos outfit that also have six points on the board in the Europa League.

“That was tough,” Cerny said when asked about being ruled out of the match with Aberdeen. “But it was a good decision. I’ve been playing so many games for the past two months and my legs felt it. It was a decision which was made and I think health wise it was a good decision. It was tough for me not being there with the guys. I know how important that game was.

“I’m all good [for Thursday]. All fit and can’t wait to be there. That has to be the mindset we have. We go there to win.”

Victory in Greece would, like those against Malmo and Bucharest already this term, be seen as a marker post for Rangers. It is, however, one thing being able to rise to the European occasion and another being able to combine a continental campaign with domestic endeavours.

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Hearts are at Ibrox on Sunday for the final fixture in this tranche as the season breaks for international football once again. Another two performances and another two results would ease the pressure on Clement and would give fans something to get behind heading into the festive schedule.

“It’s important,” Cerny said of keeping the supporters on their side. “They see when we do the right things and when we play our football then you feel it back from them. We just want to build the consistency in games and have a good run of games to build confidence for all of us.

“It’s to be with and without the ball. Don’t forget it’s a team and a squad that’s only been together a short period of time with a lot of new players. You see moments where it looks really good and we work in every single day on details. It’s going to pay off. It’s time for us to realise just how good we can be.”