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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Gabriel McKay

Steven Gerrard sees Rangers Europa League 'twinkle' as bullish boss predicts top level Antwerp performance

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard assures his players are raring to go in Europe as he predicts a "top performance" against Antwerp.

Thursday sees the Premiership champions-in-waiting return to Europa League action as they take on Franky Vercauteren's side in Belgium.

Gerrard's side are looking to reach the last 16 for the second season in a row and have been boosted by the return of Alfredo Morelos.

While the manager is aware of the challenge Antwerp will pose, he believes what he's seen at Auchenhowie this week should lead to an impressive showing.

Gerrard said: "We've had no disruption inside this week in terms of our preparation on the training pitch.

"We've had decent numbers, though there are three or four missing that are usually training with us on a daily basis.

"But it hasn't had any interruption in terms of our preparation, we've still had quality numbers.

"The standard in training has been fantastic. The level and intensity has gone through the roof and we are going in very excited.

"We know the level of technical quality goes up in this competition. We respect the challenge that is here and we take it one step at a time. We are playing against a powerful and technical team.

"Since the weekend we went straight into our Antwerp preparation.

"I don't know whether the boys have got the bit between their teeth but they certainly look really in the zone and focused and ready to go and put in a performance tomorrow night.

"I can only gauge the mood and where I think they're at, and I'm really content with where we're going in to tomorrow's game.

"I think when the games come thick and fast these boys enjoy it and are used to this schedule. We are really excited about this group of games. There is no fear and we believe at our best we have enough to get the job done.

"I see a twinkle in the boys' eyes they're really ready to go.

"If training is anything to go by I think we're about to put in a performance.

"They have shown a real top-level. There can be no guarantees in football but expecting a top performance."

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