The Light Blues will return to league action this weekend following last week’s international break as they prepare to travel to the Capital to take on Dean Gibson’s side in search of another crucial three points.
Speaking to the media ahead of the fixture the Gers boss took time to reflect on the squad’s run in the UEFA Women’s Champions League last month and insisted that each player can utilise the experience for the rest of the season ahead.
He said: “I think it’s an experience that we are very grateful and thankful that we got albeit the disappointment, I think that’s the key word there, the players came off the pitch absolutely gutted not having been able to beat Benfica. It’s another stage in the development that I’ve witnessed that they have, they’ve got a belief about themselves – I’m really pleased with that attitude.
“There were a lot of mixed emotions but the bit that came through after the game was how vital it was to take your chances when given the opportunity but also the learning bits, we can take into the league campaign.
“I think that there were many pleasing aspects of the outcomes. For the younger youth players that we’ve signed this year, to handle going out and playing against a top-quality side and not be phased by it but a lot of credit also goes to the players round about. For Jodie McLeary, Emma Watson, and Kirsty McLean to not feel phased by it, the atmosphere and environment created at Rangers there’s a belief there – you’re here by merit because you’re good enough to play for Rangers.
“I know for a fact that every girl is proud to be part of the team and I think that is going to help us going into the league campaign that we have a belief and pride about ourselves. We know it’s going to be hard and that there’s going to be difficult situations, but we’ll find a solution.”
Thomson added that the standards achieved in the squad’s European run will continue to be set throughout the team for the remainder of the season.
He continued: “The pride, the attention to detail, and the preparation that won’t change, it’s a constant within the group. The confidence that they will take out of it, we will still remain humble which is one of the qualities that this group does have but there will be an air of confidence.
“We’ve built strong relationships over the three years and now we put a demand on one another that if we don’t hit the heights, we must treat every game that it is a cup final or European tie and that is the true form of being a professional.”
The Gers boss took time to look ahead to Sunday’s clash against Hibernian as the squad return to league action following the international break and insists the Light Blues are prepared to do everything to get the three points.
“I think with the investment and players that they have brought in, they’re probably in a false position just now because they’re certainly a better team than what their league position is showing, but again it’s irrelevant to us whether we’re playing Hibs or anyone else. We’ll treat every opposition team with respect that they’re due - we have to be ready to win the game.”
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