STEVEN GERRARD has set his sights on top spot in Group D after Rangers clinched a place in the Europa League knockout rounds at Ibrox.
Goals from Connor Goldson, James Tavernier and Scott Arfield were enough to secure a 3-2 victory over Standard Liege to ensure Rangers qualified with a game to spare this term.
The Gers return to Premiership action when they face Ross County on Sunday before they make the trip to take on Lech Poznan in the final Group D clash next week.
Gerrard’s side are level on points with Benfica at the top of the table and now have a real chance to finish ahead of the Portuguese giants after another crucial European win.
He said: “We are a better team than we were. We have taken huge strides.
“We have better players and the squad is stronger and the competition for places have improved. There’s no easy games at this level.
“Everyone knows it is big for financial reasons. I’m sure the board are pleased. More importantly it’s for the fans.
"They want to follow their team near and far, but unfortunately the circumstances don’t allow that right now.
“But we need to keep making them proud while they watch from home and the important thing is they stay safe. And my players want to compete against the best and be challenged by the best.
“So the longer we stay in Europe the better. This also gives us the chance to make a few changes if we want to which will hopefully help us be fresh domestically.
“Would I like us to finish top? Of course. At Rangers you always want to aim to be top.
“You’ve always got to aim to be first but I’ve got to look at the big picture and realise what’s more important and what the key games are and make decision from there.”
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