Hopes of a first championship in three years were dented when Celtic inflicted a 2-1 defeat at Parkhead on Wednesday night.

Even a draw would have been enough to end any realistic challenge from the defending champions. Instead Celtic hauled themselves back into contention thanks to Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink's injury-time winner.

But Novo, who came off the bench to cancel out Shunsuke Nakamura's magnificent opener, was determined to seek out the positives from their visit to the east end of Glasgow.

"It's always hard when you lose but we haven't had that feeling much recently," he said.

"The defeat will make us stronger and the Celtic game is now history. I know the rest of the players have a strong mentality in the dressing room.

"Sometimes you win in football and sometimes you lose but we haven't lost many times in the last six months.

"It may be a good thing for us as it gives us the chance to demonstrate the great character we have."

The clash at Parkhead cost Rangers more than their healthy lead at the summit of the SPL.

Goalkeeper Allan McGregor and Lee McCulloch face spells on the sidelines after sustaining ankle and foot injuries respectively, Carlos Cuellar's red card for handball rules him out of the next Old Firm clash in eight days' time and David Weir's involvement in a post-match scuffle means he is banned for tomorrow's Scottish Cup semi-final against St Johnstone.

"We have a big squad here and the boys who come in are capable of doing the business," insisted Novo.

"They are all capable of coming in and doing really well. That's the reason why we have a big squad of 25, 26 or 27 players which the manager has to choose from.

"They are desperate to get a chance and whenever someone comes in they take the chance.

"The biggest problem we have is the mental tiredness, any player who has to play a lot of games has the easy option to say they're tired.

"You do get tired but the one thing you must keep strong is your mind.

"There are a lot of big characters in our dressing room and we are very strong. That helps everyone and allows us to be strong and get up for games.

"I'm 100% sure the boys will do the business."

The SPL trophy may be the domestic priority but Novo insists Rangers are also determined to claim the Scottish Cup this term after last month's CIS Insurance Cup triumph ended a barren spell of two seasons.

"When you are a footballer you want to win things," said Novo. "It's a semi-final and we want to get back to Hampden for the final on the May 24.

"We have to strive for that and concentrate on that.

"I was lucky enough to play for Dundee against Rangers in the final a few years ago so it would be great to get back to Hampden."