Derek McInnes believes the Scottish League Cup presents an "important opportunity" for his Rangers side after they reached the final.

Ryan Naderi scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Aberdeen at Hampden Park on Saturday, though Rangers dominated for much of the encounter.

They recorded 25 shots in their search for a winner, which came in the 83rd minute as Naderi turned in from James Penrice's initial effort.

Rangers will face either Hearts or Hibernian in the showpiece, and McInnes sees the competition as a great opportunity to build some momentum early in his tenure at Ibrox.

"Semi-finals are never easy," McInnes told Premier Sports.

"Our play was too ponderous in the first half; we needed to move quicker across the grass. It's embarrassing we had 25 shots and only five on target.

 Views from pitchside.  Ryan Naderi's late winner at Hampden https://t.co/WpZvumGxgr

— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) October 31, 2026

"Thankfully, Ryan [Naderi] scores a scruffy goal; he anticipates a shot going across the goal, and thankfully, he managed to get the goal that matters for us.

"I thought we were far more imposing in the second half than in the first. I always felt like a goal was coming, but I was more concerned about giving one away at the other end.

"I always feel there's a goal in us, but we can't be as vulnerable as we were in transition.

"We've invested a lot in the forward line, but there's times where we maybe need an older head. We were too snatchy at crosses, and I don't think we take full advantage of some of our attacking play.

"Thankfully, one [goal] was enough for us. It's an important opportunity for us now to go and build a bit of confidence by winning a trophy."