JACK BUTLAND says the Rangers squad are feeling optimistic heading into their UEFA Champions League third qualifying round second-leg against Dynamo Kyiv.
The goalkeeper was sitting down with the media ahead of tomorrow’s match at Hampden, which currently sits level at 1-1 following last week’s draw in Poland.
Speaking to the media ahead of the match, he said: “We learned a lot from the first fixture last week, certainly things that we could've tidied up on. We perhaps gave them a few too many easy opportunities but we certainly felt that tactically and, in the game, we didn't feel out of our depth.
“There are things we can learn from last week and there's definitely opportunities to create chances, so we are optimistic about tomorrow night and looking forward to it. It is what you want to be involved in. Every game for this club is a huge one, the expectation is to win. We have ambitions of what we want to achieve, we want to get to the Champions League.
“It is good to have these big games this early and coming back to the new guys it is good for them to experience it already. We are down to business now, these games are important and tomorrow is no different.”
When asked about the impact of the summer signings so far, Butland continued: “It is always important during the summer, that the transfers have got to make an impact, they have got to come in and be the right characters, which we have certainly seen so far.
“Some have already made some really important contributions and hopefully we continue to see that but as players and staff I think we have been really pleased with how they have settled in, but we all know it is about performing.
“Vaclav has turned up with a brilliant goal on the weekend, Robin looks solid and offers us something different and other signings will hope to contribute and hopefully that continues.
“I have moved in transfer windows, and you need time yourself to adjust, so I have been through that. I've not moved too far afield if you like, but other players have had to move continents across the world, I think the club is doing a really good job of helping those guys settle in being in a different place with a different language.
“Yes, it can take time, but we all know what playing for Rangers is about, you have got to perform and you have got to be ready to go and like I said some have really hit the ground running and others are going to feature more as we go on and fully expect them to perform well.”
On what it would mean to him to qualify for the Champions League this season, Butland continued: “It would be huge, I had my first taste of it last year with the Europa League and there were some great experiences for us, but we want to keep going and pushing further.
“The Champions League was the target last year. We then had to refocus, but it is certainly the focus this year personally and for any of the boys in there. Some have experienced it before but for me personally I would love to experience that and get us there.”