Rangers legend Johnstone challenges players to rise to occasion vs Porto

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Writing in the Glasgow Evening Times, Rangers legend Derek Johnstone has issued a challenge to the current Gers playing squad, ahead of their mouthwatering European tie against Porto.

A win under the lights would see them move to a position of relative control in Group G, but the Portuguese won’t be travelling to Glasgow with the intention of rolling over.

It’s a question of whether or not Gerrard’s side can replicate the level of performance they delivered at the Dragao a fortnight ago, but also, whether or not they can use home support as an advantage.

“Having the big crowd behind you and playing under the lights can inspire players, but you know at Rangers that if you don’t play well then the crowd won’t be slow in telling you,” wrote Johnstone in his Glasgow Evening Times column. “Can you handle that?”

“If the team can start positively, pass the ball well, create chances and score a goal early on, the crowd will go with the players and the momentum builds in the game.

“The fans have got a part to play, but the players need to give them something to cheer first of all.”

Verdict

For all the improvements under Steven Gerrard, question marks still linger over this squad in terms of their ability to perform under pressure.

We’ve had instances where they have risen to big occasions, such as two Old Firm victories at Ibrox last season, as well as the impressive win over Feyenoord in September.

However, there have also been instances where performance levels have dipped in the face of pressure. The Gers failed to build on breakthrough moments last season like going top of the league, while both Gerrard and his players faltered in the first Glasgow derby of 2019/20.

Anticipation has been ramped up ahead of this fixture and Johnstone is right, if the players can feed off the energy of the crowd and whip the ground into a frenzy, it should be a major advantage.

Feyenoord wilted when faced with a fired-up Ibrox in September, and although Porto have some real European pedigree, there’s every chance they’ll do the same if the right pressure is applied.