Steven Gerrard has promised an opportunity for those players giving him “daggers” against East Fife this coming weekend as he spoke positively about the Rangers performance against FC Midtjylland.
The Gers gaffer was glowing in his comments about his side for their performance over the two legs.
But now he’s challenged those fringe players to stand up in the next match and give him something to think about going forward.
“I’m very pleased with the result,” Gerrard told RangersTV.
“Over the two legs I think we’ve been outstanding and certainly deserved to progress and I think we’ve been very comfortable in the end.
“The pack will be shuffled [against East Fife].
“I’ll give people an opportunity – those people who’ve been giving me the daggers and the sly looks over the last couple of weeks for not getting enough game time.
“My message to them is, go on then, let’s see what you’ve got. There’s your opportunity, let’s see how you play, let’s see what you can do.”
Who’s giving Steven Gerrard “the daggers”?
It’s a real statement from Gerrard. The Rangers side has been playing so well in recent weeks that rotation has been largely kept to a minimum in a robust squad.
Particularly in defence, Rangers have had a largely settled side.
Who is Gerrard talking about? We’ll likely find out Sunday. But the message is clear – they need to take their opportunity.
On top that, Steven Gerrard warned his players to take the tie with the League One side seriously.
“This is a huge game,” explains Gerrard.
“If we want the more glamourous ties further in the competition, if we want to go to Hampden and compete for silverware then you’ve got to go and deal with East Fife away from home on a tricky pitch.
“But the message will be clear at the weekend – go on then, go and take your opportunity”.
