STEVEN Gerrard is expecting a tough test as his side prepare to face St Mirren in the League Cup quarter-finals tomorrow evening.
The Gers boss says his side head to Paisley full of confidence given recent form but are well aware of the threat that Jim Goodwin’s side pose.
Speaking to the media at his pre-match press conference this morning, Gerrard said: “St Mirren are certainly in a good place. Jim has them really well-organised, they have good defensive organisation and they all want to defend the goal really well.
“They have got threats within the team and they've got pace on the counter attack. They have definitely got a plan and a way of playing, they are in a good place and their form of late is pretty good but so is ours.
“We have got good players and players in a fantastic place so we are going there with confidence.
“We want to get to Hampden and into a semi-final just as much as St Mirren so it is all set up to be a good test and a good game and it is one we are looking forward to.”
Midfielder Ryan Jack will be unavailable for the match as he recovers from an injury picked up at the end of November.
Gerrard provided an update on his progress: “He hasn't suffered a setback as such but maybe the original injury that we got was underplayed so it was probably a little bit more serious from the beginning.
“We tried to push him a little bit to get him back but you get signs and moments in your rehab where sometimes you have just got to come off and relax a little bit and go a little bit slower.
“I don't think it will be too long before he returns but when you love Ryan Jack as much as I do you want him back as quick as possible so it does feel like it has been a bit of a slow one.”
With Rangers drawn against Belgian side Royal Antwerp in the last 32 of the UEFA Europa League, the manager gave his reaction to yesterday’s draw.
He said: “Whoever we got it was going to be a tough test and a tough challenge.
“I think they are in a false position in the league with the early bits I have watched of them.
“I had a little quick hour on them last night just to get a flavour of what they are about and I predict that they will finish right high up in their league.
“They are a good team so it is going to be a fascinating tie over the two legs and it is good to be at Ibrox for the second game.
“When that comes around we will make sure that the team are well prepared, well drilled and ready for the challenge that faces them but we are going to have to be at our best if we are to qualify for the Last 16 that's for sure.”
Sign Up To RangersTV Today
Rangers TV Monthly - Standard (£6) - Join now to watch exclusive RangersTV content. (Excluding Live Video, Including Live Audio)
Rangers TV Annual - Standard (£60) - Join now to watch exclusive RangersTV content. (Excluding Live Video, Including Live Audio)
CLICK to subscribe to our official YouTube channel and never miss another video: HERE
THE Rangers Black and Gold collection is available now on The Rangers Store online!
Featuring a striking contrast design and graphic prints, the range is a sleek and modern training collection that’s perfect for everyday wear and training.
You can shop the collection now by visiting HERE.