NACHO NOVO is determined to use the agony of missing out on Sunday's CIS Cup Final success as his inspiration to make a quick-fire return to Hampden.

The Spanish striker was suspended for the dramatic penalty kick win over Dundee United after his red card against Hibs recently at Ibrox.

Novo was thrilled for his team-mates, and he did take part in the after- match celebrations as Rangers ended three years without a trophy.

But he knows it's never the same for those on the sidelines - and that has made him all the more determined to secure a shot at landing the Scottish Cup.

Rangers can take a step closer to that aim this evening if they can take care of First Division outfit Partick Thistle at Ibrox.

And Novo said: "It is definitely a different feeling when you have not played, even though I did enjoy it with the rest of the boys.

"You want to play in major matches like that, so it was a personal disappointment for me.

"But it was a great day for Rangers and our fans, and that is the main thing.

"I reached the Scottish Cup Final five years ago with Dundee and we lost to Rangers 1-0, but I hope to get back there this season. It would make up for missing Sunday.

"We have tough games to get there. We face Thistle tonight, and if we can get through that we have another semi-final.

"That has to be our ambition, so it's a huge game for us."

Novo was thrilled for team-mate Kris Boyd, and agreed with his claim of a hat-trick after two equalising goals and the decisive penalty in the shoot-out that broke United hearts.

"As a striker, I would be claiming the same as Boydy," smiled Novo. "He is a top striker. He's scored 20 goals this season again already and we were all delighted for him.

"When he went up to take the last penalty I was convinced he would score. He doesn't miss many."

THE little Spaniard is likely to be one of five or six changes to the Rangers starting line-up against the Jags tonight as Walter Smith's side attempt to keep this pursuit of silverware going.

The 28-year-old admits he knows very little about Ian McCall's side, but is well aware the attitude of the Rangers players will have to be spot on to ensure there is no danger of an upset.

"I don't known too much about the Thistle team, but I did play against them when I was at Raith Rovers and also at Dundee," he said.

"They have fantastic fans and they will come to Ibrox looking to shock us.

"We have to be ready for that and make sure we play the game the right way, as everyone saw the problems we had last season against St Johnstone and Dunfermline in the cups."