BARRY Ferguson insists his Rangers squad are ready to give everything tomorrow evening as they host Athletic Club in the first-leg of the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals.
The head coach admitted there had been honest conversations following Saturday’s defeat to Hibs but hopes they can find their top form at a sold-out Ibrox.
Speaking at this afternoon’s pre-match press conference, Ferguson said: “First and foremost I think European games have been at a high level for Rangers this season. The squad have performed really well, and what an opportunity they have now.
“I started watching Athletic Club on Monday morning, I don't know how many games we've watched as a staff, but they are a very good team and we are under no illusions that it is going to be a tough task.
“We have worked hard over the last couple of days on how we are going to set up in terms of stopping Athletic Club, but we are at home, and we have to dictate the game.
“We are going to give it everything to get a good result to take it over there next Thursday.
“Saturday and Sunday, as I said, were really difficult. We got in on Monday morning and we had a long long chat.
"I aired my views, so did my staff and so did the players which I was happy with because I have said before I think we have been too quiet.
“I am expecting a completely different performance tomorrow night.”
When asked about Athletic Club, and how he feels the challenge compared to previous opponents in this season’s competition, Ferguson believes it will be another step-up but hopes his side can relish the challenge.
He continued: “In my opinion, they have got quality all over the team, certainly in the wide areas, the two Williams brothers, they are going to be a real handful. I look at the midfield, technically they are very good and very hard working and defensively really solid, so we know that we have to be at the top of our game to try and get a result.
“I would probably say they are the favourites for the competition, so we know it is a tough ask for us, but these are the games as a footballer, coaching staff, and as a manager, that you want to be involved in.
“You want to go and pit your wits against some of the best and I think they have got real quality in their team. I said that to the players over the last couple of days, this is what being a footballer is all about big nights at Ibrox with the fans, it can't get any better.
On possible changes to his team, Ferguson added: “I have told everybody now that their place is up for grabs, when you go into my team, and you play you need to earn your right to play in the team.
“I probably will have to make some difficult decisions going forward. I have had to make some difficult decisions since I have come into the job, but it is one thing I am not afraid to do to try and better the team.
“I have a job to pick the eleven that I think is the eleven that will go and win the game and that is what I have done for tomorrow night.”