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Rangers news: Steven Gerrard issues bold Europa League warning ahead of Villarreal clash
RANGERS boss Steven Gerrard has insisted that his side will compete in the Europa League.
Steven Gerrard: We need to find style and rhythm at Rangers
The Gers have had to endure a gruelling stretch of qualifiers to earn their place in the group stages.
Thursday’s opener at Villarreal is exactly the sort of fixture Gerrard’s side have worked so hard for.
Now they’re here though, they want to go as far as they can.
Gerrard said: “I’m really looking forward to seeing us play tomorrow night.
“The players have earned the opportunity to play against a very good team.”
The Scottish side played their first match in the competition way back on the 12th of July when they overcame Shkupi in the first qualifying round.
They then beat Osijek, Maribor and finally FC Ufa to secure their place in Group G where they’re also joined by Spartak Moscow and Rapid Wien.
“It is important we take one game at a time,” Gerrard added.
“We are the underdogs in the group, but in the dressing room, we have a quiet confidence and belief we can make it out the group.
“We are not here to make the numbers up.”
The La Liga side are likely to have Santi Cazorla starting in midfield something Gerrard isn’t too pleased about.
“I wish he [Santi Cazorla] wasn’t playing us tomorrow! He is a fantastic player - great on the eye and it is great for the game he is back,” he said.
The former Liverpool midfielder confirmed Ryan Jack, Gareth McAuley and Ovie Ejaria will miss out.
Jon Flanagan and star striker Alfredo Morelos are suspended after being shown red vs FC Ufa. Kyle Lafferty will start up front.
The hosts are not off to the best of starts in La Liga having collected just four points from their opening four matches.
The game kicks off at 5:55pm on Thursday evening at the Estadio de la Ceramica.