Rangers skipper James Tavernier has insisted reaching the quarter-finals of the Europa League is a “realistic goal” for the Gers this season after making it to the last 16 in the previous two seasons.
Tavernier and his Ibrox teammates begin their group stage campaign tonight when Lyon visit Ibrox and the Rangers star wants to continue to better themselves.
While Rangers will find it harder to emulate last season’s success after the Europa League was revamped in the summer, Tavernier is looking forward to proving the Light Blues belong on “that stage.”
“It’s definitely a realistic goal [to reach the quarter-finals],” Tavernier said.
“We always want to set targets and to better ourselves from the previous seasons. It’s about getting out of the group stages and trying to get further.
“It’s the big nights under the lights. You come up against top teams and players – it automatically brings out the best in you. You want to compete against the best and show how good you are on that stage.
“To have a game at home in front of a full Ibrox that will be rocking, these are the games you want to play. It’s going to be a tough game but we look forward to these occasions.”
The Ligue 1 side are the toughest opposition Rangers have faced under Gerrard so far and will be a massive test for the Light Blues.
However, Rangers’ fantastic European record under Gerrard will give fans some confidence the Gers can go out and take something against Lyon.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
