Because of the way the game went it probably was a big moment

16 in Europe for the first time since they lost 1-0 on aggregate to PSV Eindhoven in 2011.

McGregor said: “This will be a difficult one . We saw what Braga were capable of last week.

“They were really good in the first half and the second half but we upped our game. I would imagine it will be no different this time around.

“The success in the last couple of years since the gaffer took over has been mainly down to the organisation of the boys.

“When we have done well in Europe we have stuck to the game plan throughout the whole 90 minutes.

“From the moment the gaffer came in here, our organisation has had to be spot on.

“That wasn’t the case for the entire 90 minutes in the first leg but for the periods when our organisation was spot on it was really important.

“It helped us get the victory. Our organisation is going to be important again this time.”

McGregor has kept 32 clean sheets in 72 appearances for Rangers in Europe, stretching back to his debut at this level against Molde in August 2006. Typically, he kept a clean sheet in the stalemate against the Norwegians and was even named Man of the Match in the return leg, a 2-0 win that secured group stage qualification for Paul Le Guen’s side.

Despite that, Le Guen insisted countryman Lionel Letizi, who was out injured at the time, remained No.1 but McGregor persevered to become a regular under Walter Smith later that season.

He has kept seven clean sheets out of 14 European games this season and even if his goal was breached twice last week, he still admits his save to deny Palhinha was vital.

He added: “I think because of the way the game went it probably was a big moment in the match. But even in the first half I felt we created a lot of chances.

“We knew what we had to do and it was just a case of going out and doing it. But we were a lot better in the second half in comparison to the first – and we took our opportunities when they arose.”

Rangers went from the highs of that superb comeback victory to the lows of a 2-2 defeat at St Johnstone that was characterised by another sloppy

defensive display.

However, Rangers have saved some of their biggest displays under Gerrard for Europe and McGregor is convinced they can bounce back in Braga. He said: “All the boys need to be confident. We have come off bad results recently but we showed last week what we can do.

“However, we have to do it on a more consistent basis. That’s what wins you things. As a squad we need to be more consistent.”

ALLAN McGREGOR ON HIS SAVE FROM PALHINHA