Ufa lessons will stand Flanagan in good stead

Gerrard wants Ibrox roar to oust Poles LEGIA WARSAW... 0 RANGERS ............. 0

JON FLANAGAN believes the fraught experience of last season’s Europa League play-offs will serve Rangers well when they seek a more composed passage into the group stage next Thursday evening.

Twelve months ago, Flanagan and Alfredo Morelos were both ordered off as a nine-man Ibrox side hung on against Russian side Ufa to gain qualification. Steven Gerrard’s side will aim to book a return to the Europa League proper when Legia Warsaw visit Glasgow, with the play-off tie finely poised after a first leg stalemate last night. Flanagan knows it will be another tense occasion but feels Rangers have amassed the know-how to get the job done. Asked for his memories of Ufa, Flanagan said: ‘It was a mixed night and one I have probably learned from, particularly with the red card. ‘But it was a great moment for us as a group and a club to reach the group stages last year. ‘Everyone is on board again this year and really wants to do it. We are going to give it everything we have in next week’s second leg and try and get back in there. ‘I think the experience we have gained will help. We are learning as a group of players. We have been through this situation last year and I think we are better prepared this time for it. ‘I think all the lads are going to be ready for it and we all hope it can be a really good night next Thursday. The team showed a lot of character in Ufa and we know that will be needed again. Legia are a good side, looking at them in this game and what we saw before. So it’s going to be tough. But the lads will be ready.

‘Before then, all the focus is on Sunday and the St Mirren match. After that, we can switch our attention and look forward to a big night next Thursday.’

Flanagan made a terrific goal-saving challenge on Legia striker Sandro Kulenovic during last night’s second half. And the former Liverpool full-back was happy to play a part in attaining an important clean sheet.

‘As a defender, you have got to be ready to try and stop them scoring at all times,’ added Flanagan. ‘It was a good tackle and thankfully they never scored from it. I don’t mind a tackle to be honest!

‘The lads put in a tremendous effort because this is a tough place to come. We were probably a bit unlucky not to get a goal or two but 0-0 is a good result. We will take it and it is all to play for next week.

‘Our main aim in this game was to keep a clean sheet and I think, on the whole, we have to be pleased.’

Flanagan has been picked at left-back ahead of Borna Barisic and Andy Halliday for the last three European matches, after recovering from summer hernia surgery.

‘The squad is massive,’ he said. ‘Every player wants to play every game. You just have to keep working hard and when the gaffer calls upon you, you have to be ready and, hopefully, I can cement that place. I feel confident right now. I had an operation at the start of the season but I am feeling good now and I am flying into tackles. I won’t hold back.’

STEVEN GERRARD has called for an Ibrox roar to turn the tables on Legia Warsaw and help propel Rangers into the Europa League group stage. Gerrard’s men emerged from a raucous atmosphere inside the Polish Army Stadium with their ambitions undamaged after a 0-0 draw in last night’s play-off first leg. Sheyi Ojo and Alfredo Morelos both went close for Rangers during an entertaining 90 minutes, while Allan McGregor produced a clutch of solid stops to keep Legia at bay. The stalemate means there is everything to play for in next Thursday’s decisive return match, with Gerrard hoping a capacity Ibrox crowd can play its part in securing qualification for a second successive season. ‘All I ask of the players is back yourselves and be brave,’ said Gerrard. ‘Go and empty it next week. What’s important is that we have four sides of the ground right with us from start to finish. With the crowd and the experience we have in the team, that