Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes heaped praise on match-winner Lewis Ferguson, saying the teenage midfielder was "born to play at Hampden".

Ferguson climbed highest at a corner ten minutes from time to head home the winner as the Dons defeated Rangers 1-0.

The goal was further proof of the 19-year-old's growing influence on the Pittodrie side after his summer move from Hamilton.

McInnes said: "He's a dream of a boy.

"I trust him with anything, whether it's screening a back four, playing against Burnley where he is supporting into the box.

"He's just a natural footballer, he was born to play at Hampden.

"He's going to be a fantastic player.

"He had his hands full, Rangers' rotation was good at times but he had an authority about him.

"I always knew he was going to become an important player for me quickly.

"From the first day of testing at pre-season, it was trying to be the best right away.

"He does everything, as well as being good technically he runs like a footballer, passes like a footballer.

"His biggest thing is his determination to be the best player he can be, there's a real level of maturity there."

Aberdeen batted away long spells of Rangers pressure before making a telling contribution at the other end to claim victory.

McInnes hailed his side's resolute showing at the back as they claimed their third clean sheet in the cup run.

He added: "We had to dig in at times.

"I thought Rangers huffed and puffed, a striker is all important and Rangers' star player is Morelos.

"They missed him today, they dominated possession but we defended brilliantly."