Derek McInnes' side needed a Sam Cosgrove penalty to secure a laboured 1-0 win over League One visitors Dumbarton before their cup challenge came to life with that thrilling replay win away to Kilmarnock.

It took another Cosgrove penalty to finally end the challenge of hosts St Mirren as a 2-0 win secured a fourth Scottish Cup semi-final in a row.

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard tells Sky: "I thought they were very efficient. Big three points, big win. We defended extremely well. We could've scored more goals.

"To be fair to Kilmarnock, they always stay in the game. We had to stand up to that.

"We're in a good place, we're playing well. Tonnes and tonnes of hard work to do."

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Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes admits the loss of former Celtic wing-back Jonny Hayes is "a real blow" at Hampden.

"Five minutes before naming the team, Jonny went down in training - he just slipped innocuously and we knew right away it was serious and he's got an issue with his groin," he tells BBC Scotland.

"But Matty Kennedy comes in a he's been a big player for me since he signed anyway and it's his opportunity.

"We've got to do a ot what we did right last week in the league game. We recognise Celtic's attacking strengths and we see that from their goals last week, but we also take encouragement from our second half performance and asking the questions of them."

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Pat Bonner
Former Celtic goalkeeper on BBC Sportsound

Willie Miller
Former Scotland defender on BBC Sportsound

Kilmarnock defender Stuart Findlay tells Sky Sports: "We just lacked that killer instinct. We don't want to just put on in good performances in these games.

"You see the way they celebrated at the end, it's obviously a massive win for them.

"Towards the end, Rangers showed us the respect of having a third centre-half."

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Over at Hampden, Aberdeen are hoping to improve on that 3-3 draw against Celtic in the league a week ago at Pittodrie.

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Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack tells Sky Sports: "I thought the defence was outstanding. The centre-backs have all been doing their jobs. I can't praise the defence enough.

"We've been in winning positions before and let that slip.

"We've started well. We've had a strong start to the season."

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You still have time to rate the players in Rangers' win over Kilmarnock by clicking the link below.

Who impressed and who had a stinker?

Back to news from Hampden for a moment ahead of that Scottish Cup semi-final and Aberdeen have suffered a blow with the news that former Celtic wide man Jonny Hayes is not fit enough to make the squad.

But they are boosted by the return of winger Matty Kennedy, who plays for the first time since 12 September.

Derek McInnes makes three changes from the 3-3 draw with Celtic last week, with former Celtic midfielder Dylan McGeouch also out and striker Ryan Edmondson dropping to the bench.

That leads to a first start of the season for fit-again striker Sam Cosgrove, while forward Scott Wright also returns to the first XI.

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Julie Fleeting
Former Scotland striker on BBC Sportsound

Rangers get that ninth victory in succession after all, but they were made to work for it all the way by a determined Kilmarnock.

Steven Gerrard's side go nine points clear of Celtic at the top of the Premiership, although the holders have two games in hand.

That's a sixth successive clean sheet - and it comes from captain James Tavernier's sixth penalty success of the season.

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Rangers are playing for time in the corner, but Kilmarnock bomb forward only to lose momentum and Ryan Kent sets up Ryan Jack inside the home penalty box.

However, Danny Rogers saves well.

Billy Dodds
Former Scotland striker on BBC Sportsound

Rangers look to kill off the game on the break with Ryan Kent again bombing forward.

He finds Cedric Itten, but the striker fires lazily high and wide.

Kilmarnock's Alan Power is booked for a foul on Ryan Kent as the Rangers player looked to break, but the midfielder was unfortunate there. Looked 50-50.

Are the home side running out of time to rescue a point as we enter three minutes of stoppage time?

Rangers are reeling here and former Ibrox defender Kirk Broadfoot sends a header wide.

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard responds to the mounting pressure by throwing on centre-half Leon Balogun and withdrawing striker Alfredo Morelos.

Chris Burke would be the normal Kilmarnock free-kick taker, but with the winger off, Eamonn Brophy has a chance to show his prowess.

He does just that, but his powerful strike is beaten away by goalkeeper Allan McGregor as the heavens open and the rain pours down at Rugby Park.

Julie Fleeting
Former Scotland striker on BBC Sportsound