Jack: Flak fuelled march to last 16 in Europe

Ryan Jack says Rangers used the criticism of their collapsed title bid to fuel their quest in Europe.

The Light Blues have marched into the last 16 of the Europa League after stunning the competition’s top scorers Braga at home and away.

While Steven Gerrard’s team are going from strength to strength on the continent, they have not hit the same heights domestically.

Gers have dropped 10 points since the winter break and have kissed goodbye to hopes of dethroning Celtic this year.

Supporters and pundits have piled in on the Ibrox men, questioning everything from Gerrard’s tactics to the mental toughness of the players.

“It was a great night for the club, players and fans”

Midfielder Jack admits his team have had to take that on the chin but he believes Wednesday’s 1-0 win at the Estadio Municipal was the perfect response to Rangers’ critics.

He said: “It definitely fires us up and it definitely fired me up. I’m sure everyone feels the same.

“When times are tough, people are going to have opinions, they are going to write things and say things.

“We just have to take it. We’re at a big club and you have to deal with it. It’s important that in the dressing room we all stick together and thankfully against Braga we showed that.

“We’re delighted. The boys stuck together, stuck to the gameplan and I’m proud of everyone. It was a great night for the club, the players and the supporters.

“The staff had come up with a gameplan they thought would get the job done and to a man we stuck to that.”