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Rangers news: Steven Gerrard singles out two players for praise after Osijek win
RANGERS boss Steven Gerrard heaped praise on Liverpool loanees Ovie Ejaria and Ryan Kent following their displays against Osijek in the Europa League last night.
Steven Gerrard on Rangers game 'the players gave me everything'
Rangers were held to a 1-1 draw against the Croatian outfit in the second leg of their second qualifying round as Nikola Katic found the net at Ibrox.
Their 1-0 victory from the first leg, courtesy of Alfredo Morelos’ strike, ultimately proved enough to secure their spot in the next round of the competition.
Gerrard has made 10 additions to his squad during a busy transfer window with Kent the latest to join from his former club.
Kent led the line up front for the Gers, while Ejaria, another loanee from his former club, started at left-back.
And the pair clearly did enough to impress the 38-year-old with both players hoping to play staring roles this season.
I was delighted with the energy levels of Ejaria and Kent. Big European nights in front of 50,000 are new for them which is why it’s no surprise they grow into the game as it progressed.
“I was delighted with the energy levels of Ejaria and Kent,” Gerrard said.
“Big European nights in front of 50,000 are new for them which is why it’s no surprise they grow into the game as it progressed.”
Kent and Ejaira will be hoping they’ve done enough to secure a spot in Gerrard’s starting XI for their Scottish Premiership opener against Aberdeen on Sunday.
However, the young pair could face further competition from any new arrivals set to arrive with Gerrard still going for a “few more” fresh faces.
”It's no secret we are still looking to add a few pieces to the jigsaw,” Gerrard said.
“This will be a different team from last year.
"We don't just want numbers, we want quality. We know our targets and who we will go after."
The Scottish giants face Maribor, who Gerrard’s former club Liverpool beat 7-0 in last year’s Champions League group stages, in the next round of the Europa League.