DEREK McInnes hopes Rangers can take confidence from their first-leg victory over FK Jablonec as they bid for a place in the UEFA Conference League league phase.
Ryan Naderi’s second-half goal was the difference in tonight’s first-leg at Ibrox, giving Gers a narrow advantage to take to the Czech Republic next week.
The manager reflected on the 90 minutes as he spoke to RangersTV at full-time, he said: “I am disappointed with some aspects of it, but we have got to try and take the positives from the game in the sense that I thought we deserved our win.
“I felt that the start of the second-half was a far better performance, because it was just far too bitty in the first half. I thought we were guilty of being a bit laboured in possession and just allowed them a wee bit more encouragement.
“I don't think Ivor has had much to do in that sense, and we never gave up any real chances but, I would still like us to hammer home a bit more authority and a bit more confidence with our play.
“I thought in the second half we were better, we got the goal and it was great for Ryan to get it. We obviously hit the post in the first-half, had a couple of things going across their six yard box and Gass should score at the back post but I felt another goal was coming.
“I thought they were tiring a bit to be honest in the second-half and I thought the speed of our game was far better, and the crowd were getting behind us and then the red card happens.
“That changes the game in the sense where you have just got to try and manage the outcome and make sure we have that victory and I thought in that sense the lads managed the game well enough and saw off any real threat from them with the extra man.
“I am hopeful that we take the confidence from it, and I'm hoping that we can continue to build. There's no reason why we can't go over there and get another victory because getting through the tie is vitally important.
“We'd like to have a stronger lead going over, but a lead is a lead and we'll take the positives from it, the clean sheet, another win, Naderi getting on the scoresheet, but clearly there's still loads to improve on.”
On goalscorer Naderi, who scored his second goal in two games, McInnes continued: “What you find is he played with a front two last season for the majority with big Youssef, and at times he was a handful.
“From the outside looking in, I always thought he was a player who had an unbelievable work ethic and he had a good physical presence.
“For me, he will score off crosses and it is so important that we get to bylines more, we get to where we need to get to on the pitch because I do think that he is a striker who will thrive on that kind of service but pleased for him in the sense that he has just continued to work hard.
“He keeps putting himself about, I thought he had some really nice touches tonight as well and goals are so important for strikers, he has worked really hard and the appreciation from the support when he comes off at the end tells you that.
“Sometimes when you are working for your best form as a team you just need to keep working hard and things will start to improve and I think he is an example of that.”
RANGERSTV: UEFA Conference League play-off against FK Jablonec will be shown exclusively live on RangersTV inside the UK and Ireland (Individual match package £10.99 and two-match bundle £16.99)
MYGERS: From priority access and behind-the-scenes opportunities to special events and unique moments, MyGers brings you closer to the action on and off the pitch
RANGERS MUSEUM AND STADIUM TOURS: Experience the magic of Ibrox Stadium, with your very own ‘access all areas’ pass