Rangers progressed into the next round of Europa League qualifying on Tuesday evening.
Rangers icon Alex Rae has reacted on Twitter to Steven Gerrard’s post-match comments by applauding the Light Blues boss for his “refreshing” honesty after the Gers failed to beat FK Shkupi.
Gerrard watched on in Macedonia as his side drew 0-0 with Shkupi at the Philip II Arena, meaning the Scottish giants progress into the second round of Europa League qualifying thanks to their first-leg 2-0 win.
The Gers looked compact with new defenders Nikola Katic, Connor Goldson and Jon Flanagan combining with captain James Tavernier and veteran Allan McGregor. After the match, Gerrard was honest about his side’s performance.
The Daily Record quoted Gerrard as saying: “Throughout the game I thought there was a real lack of quality in the final third,” as Alfredo Morelos failed to find the back of the net, and Rae applauded Gerrard for his honesty.
Rangers had to rely on goalkeeper McGregor to make some wonderful saves, with his best coming right at the death to deny a Shkupi striker the chance to grab a late goal with an excellent stop.
At the other end, Morelos failed to make chances pay, while Jamie Murphy, Josh Windass and Glenn Middleton all had chances where they maybe should have done better.
The next qualifying round begins on July 26, with Rangers yet to find out who they will be playing against, but are aware that the first leg will be away from home.
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