'We have to be better' - Nightingale

"I'd say I've probably let my standards slip, probably as low as I have."

An honest assessment from Ross County defender Will Nightingale in the aftermath of his side's "unacceptable" performance against Rangers on Saturday.

The Staggies headed to Hampden having been unceremoniously dumped out of the League Cup by League 2 side The Spartans, and left the national stadium with more concerns after a six-goal defeat.

Nightingale, who is on loan from Wimbledon for a second season, insists the blame lies with the players.

"I think the players have to take accountability," the 29-year-old said. "I think us players have to look at ourselves.

"I think we're the ones to blame because there’s simple footballing errors, that’s nothing to do with the tactical side of the game, so I think it should fall on the players.

"I'd say I've probably let my standards slip, probably as low as I have, so now it's about how I bounce back, personally.

"You can accept being beat, especially by a club like Rangers but it's unacceptable the scoreline that we let it get to.

"It's how we bounce back now. We have to be better. It's as simple as that."