Kent’s relishing full house at Ibrox
GARY RALSTON
g.ralston@dailyrecord.co.uk and get them behind us. We’re at home and we’ve spoken about being difficult to beat at Ibrox.
“The crowd are educated – they know what we are trying to do and I’m sure they will be with us from start to finish and that will be a huge help to the players.
“They can take confidence from it but it’s our responsibility to give the supporters something in return. We have to start the game aggressively.
“Does it surprise me we lost so many points at home last season? When I look at the squad from last year, no.
“Teams came to Ibrox and felt confident they could beat what was in front of them. However, we are a different Rangers team. There have been a lot of personnel changes. The mentality and confidence has changed in a short space of time.
“I have confidence the standards have been raised. We can’t be a soft touch any more and have teams coming to Ibrox and dominating and controlling us in our own stadium. That can’t be accepted. We want players with a winning mentality. We want characters. We want players who want to play, who can still deliver under pressure. Talent’s not enough at this level.”
The Colombian looks leaner, meaner and keener and led the line diligently in Osijek, scoring the crucial away goal that gives Rangers cause for optimism.
That strike could prove crucial in progressing to face Slovenian outfit Maribor or Chikhura Sachkhere who drew 0-0 last week in Georgia.
Morelos also netted in Sunday’s 3-0 win over Wigan and Gerrard said: “I’m learning what floats Alfredo’s boat and he’s still getting used to me.
“But I see him smiling and enjoying his training – and having watched from outside and what I am seeing now, you can see a different player. He RYAN KENT got a taster of the Ibrox atmosphere last weekend but Rangers’ new signing can’t wait to experience a full house in tonight’s Europa League qualifier.
The 21-year-old midfielder made his debut for Steven Gerrard’s side in the 1-0 away win over Osijek last week then got another run-out in the friendly win over Wigan.
Rangers are the fifth club the Liverpool player has been sent out on loan to over the last three years but Kent feels he has settled in well is looking at it. If we can keep him fit and sharp I have no doubt he will score goals. He is a threat, someone you wouldn’t like to play against.
“He’s ready for Osijek. I want him here, he’s the man who can fire the goals in for us. The important thing is he stays happy, fit and fresh. He has to be excited to be here but those are questions you’d have to ask him.
“Overall I’m very happy with our shape and organisation. If you had asked me if I would be happy with the place we’re in now when I first started the job, I would say I am very pleased and satisfied. But there is still a lot work to do.”
Osijek arrived in Glasgow with playmaker Gabrijel Boban fit again and Gerrard saw enough down the left from Borna Barisic to know the Croatians are no slouches.
He added: “We’ve spoken to the players and warned them of the threat this team carries and how important it is to go in with a fresh mentality and forget we have a slight advantage.
“We have to go toe-to-toe and front up this challenge. If we do that and play as we can, I’m confident we’ll get the right result. We are in a good place.” already and can’t wait for a taste of the big time tonight.
He said: “The lads have been really good, as have the coaching staff and everyone else.
“I am really excited to go and make my full competitive debut at Ibrox. It is something that will really benefit me in the future, playing in these types of games.
“I just have to see it as another game, make sure my performance is good and get the win.”
David Ronney