JAMES Tavernier wants to keep Ibrox a ‘fortress’ as the Gers prepare to face Lyon in their first group stage fixture of the Europa League on Thursday night.
The Rangers squad aim to start their pool strong in the Europa League as they welcome the French side to Glasgow.
He outlined his excitement to compete in the competition again with a passionate Ibrox, and said: “I love the big nights under the lights against top teams. It brings the best out of everyone. It ultimately brings the best out of you, and you want to compete against the best and show how good you are at that stage.
“To have a game at home with Ibrox rocking, these are the games you can't wait to play.”
The skipper added that the team are under no illusion that it will be an easy game and welcome the challenge from the French side. He continued: “It will be a tough game tomorrow night, but we look forward to it and our plan is to get out of the group stage and aim to go further in the competition.
“We know that Lyon's attacking threat is going to be good so, defensively as a team we are going to have to be aware of that. We need to remain concentrated at the back and stop the attacking threats.
“We're always capable of putting the performance in. We will aim to control the game.
“Lyon have players in the squad that bring great quality. We have to be fully focused against any starting XI from Lyon.”
Tavernier followed up by highlighting the development of the team since the manager joined back in 2018 and insists that they aim to remain unbeaten at Ibrox in the group stages. He added: “This is the strongest squad that we've has since I've been at the club, everyone steps up and plays their part. You have seen that with Leon [Balogun] against Celtic. We have a top squad, and the gaffer knows he can rely on players to do a job.
“We want to make Ibrox a fortress, we don't want anyone getting points here. Our record speaks for itself. We have a great record and teams know it is a tough place to come, especially this season with the fans right behind us.
“The transition in Europe has been overwhelming since the gaffer arrived. He has transformed the place inside and out. The board have invested into the team, the club and the training ground to make it a Rangers we all know it is.”
RANGERS’ hugely exciting UEFA Europa League campaign gets underway tomorrow night, with Olympique Lyonnais the visitors to Ibrox Stadium.
It kicks-off a fantastic group stage for Steven Gerrard’s side, with the pool also containing Sparta Prague and Brondby – and you can watch all three matches in the best-possible style with our award-winning hospitality.
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As well as witnessing what are sure to be three more memorable games to add to the club’s rich European history, packages also include parking, a matchday programme and a commemorative gift.
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