GLENN Middleton believes his successful St Johnstone loan spell will help hm when he returns to Rangers this summer.

Middleton came off the bench at Hampden yesterday and helped the McDiarmid Park club to win the Scottish Cup semi-final against St Mirren.

The 21-year-old set up Chris Kane for the opening goal in the 72nd minute and then netted a stunning free-kick himself just three minutes later.

The former Norwich City youth, who spent temporary spells at Hibernian and Bradford last season, moved to Perth on loan back in January.

The winger believes the experience he has gained in the past three-and-a-half months has been invaluable and is looking forward to the cup final against Hibs on May 22 will help him in future.

“For me it’s a matter of taking things day in and day out,” he said. “I am learning as much as I can in training. Then when it comes to the games I’m just trying to get minutes. Whether it’s five, ten or 90 it’s up to me to make the most of it and to show everyone what I’m capable of on the pitch.

“I still have two years left at Rangers so I’ll just take things one day at a time. I can’t fail to learn from a loan deal like this. Even in the loans which haven’t gone to plan I’ve learned so much. This one of going a lot more positively.”

Middleton played for Rangers in a Betfred Cup match against Falkirk back in November and was unable to be involved in the final with St Johnstone at the end of February.

He is keen to play a part in the meeting with his former club Hibs on Saturday week to make up for that.

“It was circumstances outwith my own hands,” he said. “I was cup tied and couldn’t play.

“But being in the back seat gave me the drive to really be a part of something. And winning something.

“I saw what it meant to all the lads and it was obviously a massive day for everyone at the club.

“I’m just desperate to be part of something like that so hopefully we can keep doing the right things.”