STEWART’S CLAUS FOR OPTIMISM

Ibrox ace confident after team’s success v Porto

GREG STEWART says Rangers are confident they can batter Braga and march on in Europe.

Steven Gerrard’s troops were having their club Christmas lunch when the last 32 Europa League draw paired them

with the Portuguese. Stewart admitted some of his team-mates were hoping for a glamour clash against the likes of Inter Milan or Manchester United but is clear Braga remain a tough test.

Despite sitting mid-table in their league, they finished above Wolves to top their Euro section

But after Gers went unbeaten in two ties against Porto, Stewart insists that offers belief they can take care of another Portuguese side and advance to the last 16.

He said: “It’s an excellent draw for us – a game we feel we can definitely win over two legs.

“We played against probably a Portuguese Champions League team in Porto, so we’ll be feeling confident. It’s a good draw and one that we will look forward to. It was a mixed bag for the boys, some wanted big hitters like Inter Milan or Manchester United.

“You know Braga are going to be a good team. They won their group but we’ve performed well in Europe. We’ll take confidence from facing a lot of good teams.”

Porto’s placing well above Braga in the Portuguese league has fans dreaming of the last 16 but Stewart warned: “You can look at the draw as if it’s going to be easier but that’s not the case.

“It will be just as hard as any other game.

“It’s a long way away, although it was exciting watching the draw. We had our Christmas dinner at the training ground and watched it. We had turkey and trimmings!”