Steven Gerrard on the Rangers philosophy that can be key for Europa League success

Rangers' head coach Steven Gerrard spoke ahead of tomorrow's match with Standard Liege (Photo by VIRGINIE LEFOUR/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)

Confidence is high in the Rangers camp after their Old Firm victory and they kick off their third consecutive Europa League group-stage campaign tomorrow night against a side who have lost only one of their last 16 European games at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne.

But Gerrard is confident years of practice will stand his side in good stead and reckons that tactical know-how will ensure they handle Philippe Montanier's men with care.

He said: "We're at a stage now where we've been together for a couple of years so the players should know what we're trying to do in terms of our philosophy, how we play in and out of possession.

"We're under no illusions this is going to be a real tough night but we come here in a good place.

"Standard Liege are a good team with a good coach. They have a real aggressive way with how they press and a strong pedigree in Europe with a strong home record.

"I think it would be a real big victory, but the players are going to have to work ever so hard to get that victory."

Like Celtic on Saturday, Liege have had Covid-19 troubles after seeing three players contract the virus in the build-up to the game. Gerrard has sympathy but insists his team will not be complacent and aims to kick off the campaign with a win.

He said: "We are coming up against a very good team, a big squad full of talented players. So I'm sure they will cope.

"Obviously it's not ideal from their point of view, but we are here to do a job. We are here to try to take maximum points.

"The team that we thought might have started might change in a couple of areas so we have to be ready to adapt to certain situations. We're very focused on what we have to do."

Recovering duo Kemar Roofe and Joe Aribo are both in the Rangers party to have travelled to Belgium after overcoming their injuries.