Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha has launched a scathing attack his players, saying they embarrassed the club in their League Cup semi-final defeat to Motherwell.

The Steelmen came out on top in a fiery encounter at the national stadium on Sunday, winning 2-0 to set up a final against Celtic.

After the final whistle Caixinha took full responsibility for the defeat.

He said: "Our performance was really, really poor. When that happens, as a leader I have to assume it [responsibility] loud and clear."

Speaking on Monday ahead of his side's Premiership match against Kilmarnock, the manager apportioned a share of the blame to his players, claiming they had let down their club.

"I can't count Jak [Alnwick] because he felt a contusion in the arm," Caixinha said. "It was interesting for you to see Fabio [Cardoso's] face today so I can't count him.

"But I told the players 'you're embarrassing me, you embarrass the club, you embarrass our fans and now it's time for you to react and I'm glad that we are playing on Wednesday.

"If I can pick the same 11, if all of them were available, those guys who didn't do the work that they needed to do yesterday, those are the ones that are going to start the match."

Nine of the players who started against Motherwell were signed by Caixinha and he accepted that but said some aspects were outwith his control.

"I'm the responsible one but as I told you, there are things I am responsible to change," he said.

"There are other things I cannot change. If I cannot change it the natural way then let's change it the confrontational way, on the way that they need to prove it because I know that they are not feeling good at this moment.

"I know that they have this feeling of guilt. That they should have done things differently, that they should have done much more."

He added: "I'm a guy who doesn't like to lose. I go home and I don't sleep but I have my mind clear. I want them to have their mind clear.

"That's why I'm giving them a second chance. If I could play with the same 11 then 'go and show me what you need to do'."

Asked if players had accepted the criticism, Caixinha said: "On Wednesday we will see".