Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has insisted that everyone in the squad will be happy with their number of appearances by the end of the season, as he is keen on providing players with the opportunity they deserve.
The Gers came from behind twice to salvage a point at the Estadio de la Ceramica against Villarreal when they returned to the group stages of a European competition after eight long years on Thursday.
The Spanish La Liga outfit grabbed an early lead through Carlos Bacca, but a second half strike from Scott Arfield restored parity, albeit for two minutes, as the hosts took the lead again through Gerard Moreno.
However, Kyle Lafferty scored in the 76th minute to earn the visitors a vital point in Group G and they almost snatched three points with late efforts from substitute Glenn Middleton and Arfield.
Gerrard admitted that he was happy with the performance of not just his starting eleven, but also the excellent showing that the substitutes produced after coming on in the second half.
He also added that every single player in the squad will be happy with their number of appearances by the end of the season as he remains keen on utilising all of his options at Ibrox.
“For me, being the manager of this club, it’s not about the 11 or the 14 – it is about the squad”, Gerrard told Rangers TV.
“You saw Graham Dorrans come on for a cameo and went on one of those mazy runs which almost opened the door for us to win the game.
“It was just immense quality and Glenn Middleton came on to help set the goal up. That is what we need from our subs and the 11.
“You will see a few changes before the weekend, and come the end of the season, everyone will have enough appearances to be happy with.
“They just have to trust me when they are in or when they are out they have to be ready."
Rangers will be aiming to take inspiration from the result against Villarreal as they try to compete across all competitions this year.
