JAMES TAVERNIER says the Rangers players are relishing the challenge of trying to get past Athletic Club to reach the UEFA Europa League semi-final.
Barry Ferguson’s side arrived in Bilbao with the chance of making the last four after a 0-0 at Ibrox last Thursday despite Robin Propper’s early red card and losing Dujon Sterling to injury late on to finish the game with nine men.
Skipper Tav led the club to the final of this competition in 2022 and he says the players are desperate to continue their Euro adventure.
Speaking to the media, he said: “It’s the quarter-final, second leg, it is all to be played for.
“We did a really good job with ten men and then nine last week and we limited them to a few chances.
“It is a great opportunity to get into a semi-final. We have to play as a team, that got us to the final a few years ago, we worked hard for each other - we have to do the same again in this game.
“We have played some good teams in the games leading up to this stage.
“We believe we can go toe to toe with teams. Europe has been good for us in recent years and we have great belief in the changing room.
“We have to be alert, we will have to suffer without the ball, but we are looking forward to it.
“We are playing 11 players and it is in our hands to win the game, to give them a difficult night.
“We are in control of our destiny and we have to be committed and suffer as a team.
“You always want to frustrate the opposition and fans and cause errors in the game.
“They are one of the favourites and we are underdogs for some people. We are relishing the challenge, we will try to take the game to them.
“It is a beautiful stadium and it is one we want to come back to.”
Tavernier has never watched the penalty shootout defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in the final three years ago as it hurts too much.
This season he has played in several positions, but insists he doesn’t care where he is asked to perform, he will give his all for the team.
He added: “I have never seen the final back, I might when I retire. It is hard to lose on penalties and that really hurt.
“At this stage we have a good chance, we have a tough opponent tomorrow but anything is possible especially if we stick together.
“Can we do something special? It is in our hands. We will leave everything on the pitch with no regrets.
“I have played right centre back, centre back, right wing back and right back, but I feel comfortable in any position, I will play anywhere for the team.
“I will do my job and help the club the best way I can.”