Former Rangers star Lee McCulloch has admitted that he believes Steven Gerrard’s men are under no pressure in Europe, and backed them to fight for a positive result away from home at Villarreal in the Europa League.
The Gers will start their European campaign with a trip to Spain on Thursday night when they mark their return to continental football after a glaring absence over the last decade.
Gerrard’s men went through four rounds of qualifying to book their berth in the group stage of the competition after overcoming the likes of FK Shkupi, NK Osijek, Maribor and FC Ufa over the last two months.
Rangers had a memorable run to the final of the competition back in 2008, but the Old Firm giants have had a roller-coaster ride ever since then due to their liquidation and fall from the top.
The return to European football will be considered the first step to achieving the other goals on Gerrard’s masterplan to bring back the glory days to Ibrox in the next few seasons.
McCulloch, who spent eight years in Glasgow with the Gers, admitted that he believes Rangers are under no pressure against Villarreal on Thursday and claimed that they will be aiming to fight for a result away from home.
“I think Rangers will be quietly confident”, McCulloch wrote in his column for the Evening Times.
“They have shown that they can defend well and play that counter-attacking game in Europe already this season but obviously this time it is against a higher calibre and quality of opposition.
“But it is one to take the experience from, to go and enjoy and to try and win. I wouldn’t rule them out getting something either.
“There is a confidence there having come through the four qualifying rounds and there is no pressure on Rangers going to Spain.
“No matter how Villarreal have started, and they only got their first win against Leganes at the weekend, they are still one of the top sides in Spain and are experienced, established European performers.
“The pressure is not as intense on Rangers from the outside but, knowing the way the management team go about their business, Steven and the staff will be looking for a result”, he added.
Rangers cruised to a 4-0 win over Dundee on Saturday in the Premiership and may be aiming to rely on their counter-attacking football against Villarreal on Thursday.
