Helander backed to overcome Benfica lapse

FILIP HELANDER found himself in Europa League darkness at the Stadium of Light on Thursday night.

But Connor Goldson knows he will have put a difficult Group D showing behind him by the time Rangers face Hamilton Accies tomorrow.

The Swede produced an uncharacteristically sloppy showing against Benfica as Steven Gerrard’s side let a two- goal lead slip and missed the chance to open up an advantage in the table.

Helander’s early error led to Goldson’s own goal, while Rafa Silva and Darwen Nunez also scored as Rangers looked slack at the back.

It was to prove an ultimately frustrating night for the Gers in Portugal but Goldson has backed his defensive partner to banish the memories and focus on the job in hand in the Premiership.

He said: “I think he will put it straight behind him because you never see Fil too high or too low after a game of football. Even after Old Firms or big European nights where we have kept clean sheets, I have never seen him bouncing off walls after the game.

“He is just not that kind of player. He has played so many games and is usually so steady and so reliable. Listen, we all make mistakes and, as a centre- half, when you make one you usually get punished, especially against better teams.

“You need that mindset and even the other way round. If you win and you are too high, you should know that football can turn quickly and it can bring you down.

“At this club, you are playing every three days and it is good to get the emotion from the game out as quickly as you can. You have to move on, you can’t let the emotions high or low impact you.

“I think he is a really good place just now and he is playing well.

“He knows what Rangers is all about now.

“He gets on with the boys, he is a good lad and we are happy to have him here. Leon has been brilliant as well.

“We are lucky at the moment to have the centre- halves that can play.”