Rangers boss Steven Gerrard insists he is raring to face Legia Warsaw in the Europa League play-off round, with his side just 180 minutes away from reaching the group stage of the competition.

Rangers have continued their fine form in Europe this season, having scored 19 goals in 6 games and conceding just 3. It means they have lost on only two occasions in 20 European games.

Gerrard has admitted he looks forward to facing the Polish side next Thursday, saying he will have to field a strong side.

“Legia have big experience, so they deserve respect,” Gerrard said.

“I think they’ve kept a lot of clean sheets of late and we’ll be going to a hostile environment away from home, but it’s a game we’re really looking forward to.

“I think in terms of numbers and personnel we look very strong. The players need to keep it up and keep performing and getting numbers and names.

“The players are in a good place. The mentality and the hunger is there. They’re really keen to keep a consistent run going.”
[Quotes sourced via BBC Sport]

Meanwhile, Legia Warsaw boss Aleksandar Vukovic says his team are not afraid of facing Rangers, despite their fantastic European record.

“Rangers are a very strong team and we know we have a difficult task ahead of us. They have always been a traditionally powerful club,” he said.

“But remember we are Legia Warsaw. We also have our traditions and honour and we are very ambitious to do well in this competition.

“Listen, we aren’t going to sit down and cry just because Rangers crushed Midtjylland.

“We will be ready for Rangers, but for now my priority is the league match against Zagłebie Lubin at the weekend.

“We have played every single match in Europe this season under enormous pressure and Rangers will be no different.

“But we got past a good opponent in the last round and Rangers are also a big test for us. But we will prepare well and we won’t lack confidence.”
[Quotes via HeraldScotland]