Steven Gerrard comments on Borna Barisic and Joe Aribo displays

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Rangers hammered St Joseph’s 4-0 on Tuesday evening.

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has told Rangers TV that he felt Joe Aribo was ‘fantastic’ against St Joseph’s last night – and hailed Borna Barisic too.

The Gers played the first leg of their first Europa League qualifying tie on Tuesday evening, travelling over to Gibraltar to take on St Joseph’s.

It was a real banana skin for Rangers, and some may have been worried after a goalless first half. However, Gerrard’s men were rampant in the second half, bagging four goals.

Barisic crossed for Ryan Jack to volley in the opener, before winger Sheyi Ojo scored a sumptuous left-footed striker on his competitive debut for Rangers.

Barisic then added a third from a kick, which just about crossed the line before Connor Goldson tapped home the rebound, and James Tavernier crossed for Alfredo Morelos to head home the fourth.

Rangers will almost certainly be in the next round barring a bizarre collapse in the second leg at Ibrox, and Gerrard hailed a couple of players after the final whistle.

Gerrard noted that he has been looking to add real quality to his squad, and pointed out that new boy Aribo was ‘fantastic’, summing up how strong the Rangers squad is as he was only a substitute.

Gerrard added that left back Barisic – who endured major criticism in his first season, not just for his quality but also his mentality – has started pre-season well, and seems to be in a really strong place, which should raise hopes for a strong season.

“I’m hoping that over the course of the season, that could be the difference,” said Gerrard. “There were times last year where, with all due respect, if we had suspensions or a few injuries, we never had that level of quality to bring on, but the reason we’ve gone into the transfer market quite sharp and quick is to add that quality. You see the level of player we’re bringing off the bench; Aribo was fantastic when he came on.”

“He’s got that technique in his locker,” he added of Barisic. “I’m sure he can go on and get more goals for us from those positions. I’m pleased for him, he’s started pre-season well, he seems to be in a real strong place mentally and physically, so hopefully he’ll build on that,” he added.