While Robinson's position has been relentlessly scrutinised, this semi-final is no less important for Rangers boss McInnes.

One league title, one Scottish Cup, and one League Cup in 14 years is an embarrassing trophy return for Rangers given the money the club have spent.

McInnes is the latest manager charged with changing that after two trophyless campaigns at Ibrox, last season being the first under American ownership who have invested heavily.

Despite consistently showing his managerial abilities, in particular when almost winning a sensational title with Hearts last term, McInnes only has one major trophy to show for it.

That was the League Cup he won in 2014 when in charge of Aberdeen, who he led to Hampden regularly, only to come up against Treble-winning Celtic sides at every turn.

Now, though, Rangers' rivals have already been dispatched 3-0 in the quarter-finals, a rousing win at Ibrox which helped change the direction of their season.

Rangers have created the chance for themselves to claim silverware at the first attempt this season - and they simply must take advantage.

"To get the first trophy would be so important, reinforcing confidence, reinforcing belief," the Rangers boss admitted.

"Traditionally, semi-finals can be fraught with a lot of nerves and tension and sometimes they're not the best games, because of what's at stake."

McInnes is leading an expensively assembled but relatively inexperienced team, and at times they were spooked at a raucous Tynecastle on Wednesday as they were fortunate to claim a late draw.

But in the two Old Firm wins this season, they looked physically dominant and completely assured. McInnes needs his team to deal with the occasion again.

A slip now against a struggling Aberdeen will set him and this Rangers team back, and hard-earned trust with fans will disappear.

Win, though, and a December final date against Hearts or Hibernian presents a magnificent opportunity for McInnes to make an early mark at Ibrox.