JAMES TAVERNIER insists Rangers can be a match for anyone in the Europa League after clinching a last 32 spot on a dramatic night at Ibrox.
A late own goal from Borna Barisic wasn’t enough to deny Steven Gerrard’s side as Young Boys couldn’t find the winner that would have seen them qualify alongside Porto.
Alfredo Morelos was the Light Blues’ hero as his first half strike proved enough to secure a knockout berth and captain Tavernier was proud of their efforts in the Group G decider.
READ MORE: Highlights from Rangers 1-1 draw against Young Boys
He said: “We are absolutely delighted, I am so proud of the boys because this shows just how far we have come.
“We missed out narrowly last season, but we picked ourselves up and we’ve gone again.
“We pushed it over the line tonight, and we are a bit devastated that we didn’t see the game through and finish top of the group.
“But when you weigh it all up, when the draw for the group stages was made then there’s no doubt we would have taken second place and qualification for the last 32.
“We had to come through all the qualifiers last year, we had to do it all again this year and we were even fourth seeds in our group.
“So I think you have to recognise how far we have come under the manager. He has brought in a lot of quality players and we worked really hard on the training ground.
READ MORE: Steven Gerrard signs contract extension at Rangers
“Tonight we showed in the first half that when we are on our game then we are a match for anyone. From the first whistle we were creating chances.
“We went in 1-0 at half-time and it was almost a replica of what happened over there.
“In the second half we were guilty of not getting in their faces as much and we weren’t as tidy on the ball and in possession. We don’t make it easy sometimes but we are delighted to be through.”
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