‘Stronger’: Standard Liege coach pays tribute to Rangers display; reacts to Roofe goal

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Philippe Montanier admitted that a Kemar Roofe-inspired Rangers were fully deserving of their 2-0 Europa League victory away at the Belgian giants on Thursday night, while speaking to Le Soir.

The latest in a long line of impressive European triumphs for Steven Gerrard’s side will be forever remembered for one moment of magic.

Picking up a loose ball in stoppage time, former Leeds striker Roofe skipped away from three Standard Liege players before channelling his inner-David Beckham with a 55-yard rocket that soared into the net from the halfway line.

Roofe was hardly the only star performer on the night, of course, with Ryan Jack, Ianis Hagi and James Tavernier stepping up once again on the continental stage as Rangers began their Europa League campaign with an impressive away win.

And Standard Liege coach Montanier had no complaints at full time.

“Absolutely (Rangers deserved to win). I found them stronger in duels, more technical too,” said the former Nottingham Forest coach.

“If we hope to look good in this Europa League, we will have to display a much better level than this one. Despite everything, we had a chance at an equalizer at the end and, while we cannot score a goal from 7 meters, the opponent scores from 40 meters.

“These two actions summarize our insufficient level this Thursday evening.

“The level of our team was not enough to beat a Glasgow team which has a good level,” he adds to RTBF.

Rangers have now beaten Standard Liege, Porto, Feyenoord, Braga and Willem II under Gerrard with this hard-working, well-drilled, counter-attacking side pretty much tailor made for European away games.