SWEET SIXTEEN FOR GERS
Gerrard hails side’s ‘faultless’ win that puts them in draw for Europa League last 16
STEVEN GERRARD told his Rangers stars they did him proud last night. The gaffer threw a paternal arm around his players after their heroics in Braga secured passage into the last 16 of the Europa League. Ryan Kent’s second-half strike earned a 4-2 aggregate victory as Gers became the first Scottish side since Celtic in 2002 to win both legs of a knockout round in Europe. The
Hoops did that against Blackburn and could join their Old Firm rivals in tomorrow’s draw in Nyon if they see off Copenhagen at Parkhead tonight.
Gerrard, though, is refusing to consider the possibility at this stage of facing Celtic in Europe.
He has taken a verbal stick to his players in recent weeks as they’ve faltered in the Premiership.
But he did nothing but pour tributes on them in Portugal for a stunning victory and performance, even if Ianis Hagi missed their sixth spot-kick from 10 awarded this season.
Gerrard said: “The players carried out the game plan and they have delivered for the supporters and the club.
“For now, it is about enjoying the win. We will really look forward to the draw on Friday and be proud whoever we come up against.
“The players deserve all the praise that comes their way as they have taken a bit in the last few weeks.
“That was a real big shift, to a man, out of possession. They also went out and hurt a really good team on the ball, so it’s job done.”
Gerrard took one of the biggest gambles of his managerial career when he dropped Niko Katic and put in rookie George Edmundson in his place.
He was rewarded with an outstanding defensive performance as the 21-year-old linked with Connor Goldson and barely gave the hosts a sniff.
Gerrard added: “Everyone committed to the defensive shape.
“Allan McGregor was such a big performer for us – I wouldn’t be sitting here in this competition if it wasn’t for him.
“The partnership of the two centre-backs was also faultless. George was thrown in at the deep end but there’s only one way to get European experience.
“At some point a manager has to trust you to go in, whatever the challenge. He stepped up and he delivered with the help of Connor, who played like a captain, a leader.
“He is someone who has had some stick since the weekend at St Johnstone, along with the rest of us, so to bounce back and post that type of performance was great.
“The back five were outstanding, shielded by the three in front of them. From a defensive point of view the game plan was delivered by them, so they deserve the credit.”
Kent scored his first European goal to hand Gers a win that will boost Scotland’s UEFA coefficient and also bank his club around £3million.
Gerrard added: “We need that level of contribution from Ryan. There have been a lot of opinions on him of late on what type of form he is in.
“But he delivered a big moment for us and he could have had two goals.
“People don’t give him the credit he deserves in terms of the amount of running he does for us.
“Some of the opinions I have been reading about Ryan are ludicrous. He’s a top player and this will help his confidence.”