STEVEN GERRARD claimed he was jealous of Ryan Jack’s performance after the midfielder helped set up a Europa League showdown against NK Maribor. The Gers star bossed last night’s second round qualifier against NK Osijek. Ryan Jack impressed his gaffer with midfield masterclassRex Features Nikola Katic fired the opener for Rangers and despite Borna Barisic’s late leveller for the Croats, Gers eased through 2-1 on aggregate. And Ibrox boss Gerrard insisted: “As a midfielder, I was jealous of Ryan Jack’s performance tonight. It was stunning. “Now people are feeling us, they know we are not a soft touch. “I had watched Ryan from the outside. Gerrard was thrilled with Jacks performancePA:Press Association “But it’s not until you get close up to these players that you see what they are about and how hungry they are, how they live their lives. “I think I have got a good type on my hands there. He is player who cares, who wants to win and is prepared to go out on the pitch and do exactly what you have asked of him. “I think he made one minor mistake there in 90 minutes in a big football match. “This is a kid who missed six months at the back end of last season. “I am delighted with Ryan’s performance.” The cocky Croats were silenced as Rangers made it through to the third qualifying round. Mouthy midfielder Robert Mudrazija had plenty to say in the build up to last night’s return leg. But Gerrard insisted: “Talking doesn’t win you football matches, it doesn’t get you results. “Sometimes it doesn’t help your players, it just motivates the opposition. “We thrive on all that kind of talk. We enjoyed it. My players came out and played like men and we did our talking on the pitch. “I’m absolutely delighted with the players and now it’s all about dusting ourselves down for a big game at the weekend.” Gers conceded a 89th minute equaliser on the night. It was the first goal they’d shipped all season. And while disappointed to lose the late goal, Gerrard was quick to hail the character and spirit of his new look side. He said: “It was one of the pleasing things. We are going to have moments when it’s a bit turbulent and backs against the wall. “But that’s the reason we brought in leaders and characters like Allan McGregor. “When you need him to be big, he’s big. We brought in two centre halves who have been outstanding. “Not many teams will come here as good as them. “So we have passed two very good tests in the past seven days, considering the time we have been together and the changes made. “I’m very happy. “I thought for large parts we were really good. “I’m very pleased to get through. RELATED STORIES Rangers 1 Osijek 1 (agg: 2-1) Gers survive late scare to set up Maribor showdown ‘BIT SILLY’ Craig Levein says Chris Sutton will regret calling Kyle Lafferty a 'nutter’ STREET VIOLENCE Two men stabbed in Ibrox carnage that saw street beating and flares thrown RANGERS 1 OSIJEK 0 Nikola Katic heads Gers ahead with crucial opening goal NOT HOOPY Celtic vs Rosenborg stream hacked by Rangers fan AGAIN with Steven Gerrard clips I’M DEFOE STAYING Jermain Defoe rules out Rangers move as he commits future to Bournemouth “I thought we played against a very dangerous opponents, a good team, a strong team with a lot of threats. “But over the two legs we did exactly what we wanted to do and needed to do. “We were a little bit tense at the end because we didn’t take the chances that we created for ourselves. “But in the main I’m delighted with where we are and how far we’ve come in a short space of time. “We’re building character and momentum. I’m happy.” Gers skipper James Tavernier confessed: “We have been solid at the back so it was disappointing to concede.”
Source: Scottish Sun, News
Source: Scottish Sun, News
