The Gers boss highlighted the positives the squad can take from tonight’s 3-2 defeat at Ibrox as they will prepare to take on Filipa Patao’s side at Benfica Campus next Wednesday night.
Speaking exclusively to RangersTV after the match, Thomson reflected on the performance from his squad: “It was really enjoyable; I think to get the early goal is something that I don’t think they probably account for but I’m extremely happy with how we prepared for this game. The sense of belief was there right up until we lost the third goal, but it keeps us in the tie.
“Looking at the squad, I’m extremely proud of them, we had two sixteen-year-old kids playing in Champions League. There are a lot of positives for Rangers Football Club, the score line, a lot of youth players involved on the bench but for two of them to get minutes on the park is great.
“The one thing that the team is getting good at is that they’re getting to recognise how to play, if we look at today it was about trying to exploit spaces and play into them. I think we grew into it in the second half, and I’m delighted by the education of the players and how we’re still in this game and sets us up to go into Benfica very well.”
Thomson underlined the team’s appreciation for the supporters who attended this evening’s match and emphasised its importance in creating a positive experience, especially for the younger players.
He added: “Kayla McCoy’s two goals were exceptional, if you look at the Benfica goals as well, they had some real good goals as well so, it was a great match and what a spectacle for the fans to see. The noise the fans created really helped us and we’re really appreciative of them turning out in number to support us.
“I’ve said all along, to play for Glasgow Rangers at Ibrox against Benfica at sixteen years of age is something that I’m extremely proud of the girls, but they go on and make a difference. There was a reason Emma Watson because we know what she is capable of, I’m delighted and it’s part of being at Rangers Football Club to grow the game and this team, and hopefully winning the league and staying in Champions League to get the experience.
“I think we gave a good account for ourselves; they’ll look at us and know that we’re dangerous. If we look at the chances that we created tonight, we were clinical which I haven’t seen in the last few weeks – that’s testament to the hard work and effort that the staff put in.”
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