Davis maps out next step in the ‘Journey’

Champions League return would be final piece of puzzle for veteran

Rboxes.

ANGERS’ journey over the past decade has seen ticks steadily inked into most of the desired

First came the step-by-step promotion from League Two to the Premiership, albeit achieved a year behind schedule.

Winning the top division, a feat that seemed light years away under the chaotic reign of Pedro Caixinha, was achieved under Steven Gerrard last year — the Englishman having already restored the club’s credibility in Europe.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst enhanced that with a run to the Europa League final in Seville in May before he returned the club to winning ways in the domestic knockout competitions by lifting the Scottish Cup.

While the Dutchman is now gearing up for another fight on all fronts, it’s a return to the group stage of the Champions League which, for Rangers, remains the missing link in the chain.

Not since they faced Manchester United, Bursaspor and Sporting Lisbon in season 2010-11 have the Ibrox team graced that stage. For those, like veteran Steven Davis, who can recall that experience first hand, the restoration of the club will only be complete once that matter comes full circle.

‘It is at the forefront of our minds to get to that stage and it is something we all want to try to do,’ said the 37-year-old as the first qualifier with Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise draws closer.

‘It would be great for the fans as well and I don’t think you can ever underestimate the backing that we get from them and what it does.

‘We could see that in some of the European nights… coming up against the level of opposition that we did and the sort of cauldron they can create.

‘We missed it during Covid, so it was great to have the supporters back and hopefully we can really push on and have a really exciting and successful season in 2022-23.’

Two months on from an agonising loss on penalties to Eintracht Frankfurt, Davis subscribes to the theory that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

For all the anguish of how close Van Bronckhorst’s men came to immortality still lingers, the fullness of time has bought a wider appreciation of the achievement in getting that far.

Victories over Borussia Dortmund, Red Star Belgrade, Braga and RB Leipzig still resonate and will echo down the years. They have increased the appetite for more.

‘It was unbelievable and we had some really memorable nights,’ added Davis. ‘To lose it the way we did is always disappointing once you get to that stage. It was there for us to go and get our hands on the trophy.

‘But it is such fine lines at that level and we saw that in extra-time with Kenty’s (Ryan Kent) chance and the goalkeeper has made an unbelievable save.

‘It then goes to penalties and it is always going to be a little bit of a lottery. We came away knowing we gave everything through that journey and it was memorable for everyone.

‘But there is always that tinge of disappointment because we felt that we could have won.

‘I enjoyed it once we got to that stage as you want to be fighting for things come the end of the season and we put ourselves in a good position with the two cup finals.’

While a deserved victory over Hearts in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden three days later could never fully compensate for losing to the Germans, the importance of breaking the domestic cup drought was significant in its own right.

In a sport which doesn’t always yield just rewards, it was the least the Ibrox men deserved from a campaign with more highs than lows.

‘It was a bit of a rollercoaster, with the ups and downs,’ said Davis. ‘But we were delighted to end it with some silverware with the Scottish Cup.

‘That was really important and it is something you aim for at the start of the season. You want to come away with silverware at the end.’

As ever at this stage, optimism abounds. Van Bronckhorst will have a freshness to his squad when they face Livingston in the Premiership opener next Saturday.

Bankrolled by the sales of Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey, the new recruits are John Souttar, Antonio Colak, Tom Lawrence, Rabbi Matondo, Malik Tillman and Ben Davies.

And while Leon Balogun’s departure has also lowered the

average age, an experienced core remains with Davis, James Tavernier, Connor Goldson, Allan McGregor, and Scott Arfield.

‘I think it is really important,’ said Davis. ‘With the experience we have, we have a really good blend with some of the younger players coming into the side.

‘They showed the quality they have got and they will be looking to kick on again.

‘It’s important for us in the leadership group to guide them and help them progress as well as try to be successful ourselves.’

The visit of Tottenham on Saturday is the last dress rehearsal before the handbrake is released again. Between last season’s curtain-raiser with Livi and the Scottish Cup final, Rangers played 65 games. Every sprint and stretch over the past month has been done with a similar number in mind.

‘I’ve really enjoyed pre-season,’ added Davis. ‘I think it is a good period for us now because when the manager came in mid-season it was difficult to get that time on the pitch.

‘I think you can see some of his ideas in terms of the performances and how we played. So it’s just about reinforcing that now.’