STEVEN GERRARD admits Rangers are still a work in progress in the final third after their 2-0 Europa League victory at Ibrox.
The Gers took a significant step towards the third qualifying round as goals in either half from Joe Aribo and Sheyi Ojo clinched a deserved win over Progres Niederkorn.
But Gerrard’s side missed a host of chances throughout a dominant 90 minutes as they couldn’t finish the tie at the first time of asking and were thankful that keeper Allan McGregor made a late stop to earn a clean sheet.
Captain James Tavernier missed a penalty after the break but Rangers were comfortable throughout a largely one-sided tie and will have few fears heading into the return leg in Luxembourg next week.
A third round meeting with Danish side Midtjylland awaits the winner of this clash and Gerrard is confident his side have what it takes to complete the job away from home.
He said: “The game plan tonight was to try and kill the tie as early as we can. I believe we've created more than enough chances to do that.
“In big moments in the game we haven't been clinical enough.
“Obviously the penalty springs to mind and we probably had six or seven decent chances on top of that to score more goals.
“As the game goes on we're chasing that third goal and lose a bit of discipline and shape at the back and we could have been caught out. So there's work to do.
“But the problem now it Progres' problem because we've got a two-goal advantage and a clean sheet.
“I think you can see a gulf in both teams tonight so they need to do something drastically different from their game plan tonight.
“I predict there will be openings for us to go and create more chances.
⚽️ GOAL: @J_Aribo19 with the opening goal at Ibrox. pic.twitter.com/UvySrCBovF
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) July 25, 2019
READ MORE: Rangers 2-0 Progres: Five things we learned at Ibrox
“But we do need to be more clinical in front of goal and try kill this tie as early as we can.
“The atmosphere in the dressing room is a tad flat because they have high expectations themselves.
“But it's still early. Sharpness and that ruthlessness in front of goal is normally the last thing to come after the pre-season.
“We know it will come but yeah, everybody is slightly disappointed we haven't got he job done tonight because over the course of the 90 minutes we've created more then enough to finish it. We haven't, so we've work to do.”
The performance from Aribo was one of the highlights of the night for Gerrard as the midfielder turned in a superb showing under the Ibrox lights.
Gerrard spoke enthusiastically about what Aribo could bring to his side when he completed his move from Charlton Athletic earlier this summer.
And the Englishman has wasted little time in endearing himself to the Light Blue legions as he once again caught the eye and capped an impressive outing with a well-taken strike.
Gerrard said: “I thought he was excellent throughout in both sides of the game.
“He works ever so hard for the team and positionally he gets the message. He’s picked it up really quickly.
READ MORE: Rangers 2-0 Progres: How the Rangers players rated
“In terms of attributes and where he can go in the game, it’s up to Joe.
“He’s started his Rangers career very strongly. He’s got the fans where he needs them. He should take huge confidence from the way he’s started.
“I predict a big future for him but I think it’s important also not to pile too much expectation on the kid.
“He should continue to do what he’s doing and enjoy it. He’s playing in front of 45,000 in Europe and not many clubs can give him that opportunity. But so far so good. I’m really pleased with him.”
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