Gaffer

Really good piece!!! I note his successful tackles per game but I wonder what his interceptions rate is. He does tackle, but on so many more occasions he seems to just nip in and intercept the ball to start our attacks. I've noticed that he actually steps off his man to entice the pass, only to step in and take it off his toes. He's clearly thinking about this and shows an awareness that's evident in the top players. I don't think there's any doubt that we will enjoy watching him this season. I only hope the lure of Champions League football is enough to keep him for next season too because I expect a number of hefty bids for this boy next summer.

I agree Pete. Goldson has to move across and trust his team mates to take up the positions behind him. These are the times when Goldson needs to demonstrate leadership and make good decisions. I still think Goldson was man of the match last night, but on this instance he made a poor decision to stay. This particular incident however is being blamed on Flanagan but I didn't think he did much wrong. He played a good solid pass to Jones but Jones turned away to start a run. If Jones keeps his eyes on the ball (which I think he has to under the circumstances and given the threat), he'd halt his run and protect the ball. However these things happen.

I tried to recall the last player we bought and improved but I can't remember anyone, and I'm going back 40 years. However Katic, Tav, Kent, Morelos, Jack, and Halliday have all improved greatly under this management team. It's difficult enough to improve players' skills, but almost impossible to change their attitude and behaviour so I too am intrigued as to why Morelos looks like a different person this season. Jack has also changed mentally as I've mentioned in another thread. If we can demonstrate our ability to develop players, it'll be such an attraction for young players. And given that loan deals will continue to be a part of our future, this only improves our chances of securing the hottest talents from bigger clubs.

I went for Goldson too. I also think he was immense last night and seemed to grow in stature. One thing I'd like to see more of is his verbal leadership. I was so pleased to hear Gerrard talk in his reaction interview about the need for the more experienced players to guide the others during stages of the match. Goldson and Davis need to be more vocal with those around them. Katic, Kamara, and Ojo could have been guided a bit more last night as a few times they were being dragged out of position by their very clever attacking players. That's when our more experienced guys need to be heard. While we are on the subject of their players, it has to be said that at least 3 of their players were excellent against us. I thought Sory Kaby (?) and Evander in particular looked superb. Some of the skill they have is top drawer and it deserves a mention. I thought our defence handled them really well and I doubt we will have more skilful attackers to deal with in our domestic league.

Well done Rangers!!! Job done and onto the next round. No one will fancy taking us on these days. We look lethal.

That was a poor goal to give away but you can tell our players are back into first gear now. Hopefully Docherty and Jones help to up the pace but I don't care now. We just need to get through this with no injuries or any more bookings.

The last thing defences will want to face is the strength and skill of Ojo and Morelos. They are so fast and strong. This is an exciting partnership.

Superb again from Ojo and Morelos but where was their defence there?

Our midfield is in complete control here again. We seem to be happy to play the ball out of any trouble and every one of our players seems happy to take and send the ball even in the tightest of situations.

Arfield has done nothing except help set up our two goals. I suppose we can put up with that. Ojo and Morelos are linking well.

You and I saw that game very differently then. I thought they looked very comfortable in playing the ball out from the back and they looked terrific going forward. Their movement was really good and we just couldn't keep up with them. I do agree that they looked much stronger but I didn't see any fouls that weren't my awarded.

What it tells Halliday, Pollster and the youngsters is that they aren't good enough for our midfield currently and that at Rangers we don't accept mediocrity. If we need to, we can go out and bring in better players so either improve or don't expect to get a game. I don't think Halliday or Pollster had any inclination anyway that they'd be good enough for the midfield. They are backup wingbacks. Our youngsters need to recalibrate their ideas as to what it takes to make it at Rangers now. We are on the rise again and if they want to be in our first team, they have to now work even harder to get there. Gerrard has always said that if they're good enough they are old enough. There is a pathway for anyone who is good enough. The simple fact is that they are not yet.

I must be bad luck for the young bears. I just posted about our need to watch the movement of their number 11 and 15. Both then score a goal either side of half time. I'll keep watching but this team from Moscow is very good to watch and this could be a big beating for our young team.

Spartak Moscow were deserving of their half time 1-0 lead. Rangers have not really threatened their goal much and were always at risk at the other end. The Spartak number 11 has had acres of space down our left hand side and had three previous identical runs at our defence before making a success of the fourth with a lovely cut inside and shot. Their number 15 looks a real danger too and our central defenders need to watch his movement or he will cause us problems. From what I've seen, I can only imagine that we will lose more goals to this very gifted and technically excellent team from Moscow.

I thought that was a really good press conference from them. Their manager was very clear and focussed, as was the captain. They know all the pressure is on them and didn't play any mind games with those questions and answers. Make no mistake that they are here to get a result and we will need to play well tonight. Having witnessed how their club and fans have acted before and after the last game, I have so much respect for this club and I hope they do really well, after being knocked out tonight of course. I hope we welcome their fans with open arms, and allow the players to do battle in an excellent atmosphere.

I'll take my lunch at that time and watch it. It should be a great game of football. Both teams like to play a fast paced passing game so should be exciting to watch, and a great way for me to warm up for the game later.

That's right Pete about the 2 for each position but I think King will be cover for the deeper role. Gerrard said in his recent interview that he's got Davis, Kamara, Jack, Aribo and Docherty for the 3 midfield spots but wants 6 to compete for the 3 spots. Andy King is a very good player and this signing on loan makes great sense. It's likely that Leicester will be paying the majority of his salary so this is good business in my book. I don't think Kamara has the discipline that Davis has yet so King will be good cover for Davis. My only concern now with the squad is the left attacking midfield. Jones and Barker are not yet proven but Jones is certainly showing the right early signs. If either or both of these two perform consistently we will be in a great position this season.

It'll be more a case of laughing down at them rather than smiling, but either way that day is approaching fast. ?

I'm reading between the lines here @26th of foot but I'm getting a feeling you're enjoying listening to the BBC this evening ?

I'm never interested in individual results for that lot, but this is hugely significant because their entire business model is based on them reaching the group stages. Having now failed to do that again it puts a huge dent in their finances. It'll now be interesting to see how much of Tierney's £25m gets invested. They can't afford it and yet they can't afford not to. Anyway, that's enough about them. Let's get back to Rangers. Have we signed Kent yet?!?

If you click on the Rangers TV button on the top left of the screen at any stage it'll take you to the home page where the link to the live game always is. The features such as behind the scenes and "Away days" are brilliant on RTV. It's well worth the money for those alone, never mind the live games. Whoever is responsible for Rangers TV and that site is doing a great job. It's a high quality output every time I've watched something.

I agree. I like him and want him back but not at that valuation.

Against the tighter defences I'd play him instead of Jones. I've been impressed with Jones and I hope he can deliver against teams that sit in, but I just feel Kent is more dangerous.

As you all know I would still love to have Kent back, and I hope we can still work out a deal - perhaps a loan with an option to buy. Jones is great when there's space but I just don't think he's the type to operate so effectively when we face many of the SPL teams who will sit back. I hope I'm wrong though. I really think Kent and Aribo can work well together. However, regarding the OP, I feel sorry for the boy. He's had a great season with us, and now as a punishment for not moving to Leeds (I understand they were in the right ball park but he didn't want to go, instead hoping for a return to us), Liverpool are keeping him in the U23 squad. They understandably need to send a signal to others like Kent that they can't hold the club to ransom to get the move they want. I hope it's gets sorted out quickly because one way or another Kent needs to be playing for a decent team to continue his development.

Defoe, Jones and Morelos could have won it. Aribo and Davis were up there too, however Jack is beginning to show that's he's thenguy to make us tick. I've said it before but something has happened in his psyche and it's changed him. I don't know if it's Gerrard giving him confidence, or the coaching team, or just a self triggered thought, but he is absolute class these days. He just acts like a completely different player and I'm loving watching him. I've noticed that he carries himself differently when he comes on the pitch too. It's almost as if he really believes that he's a winner now. It's hard to explain but if you watch him when the teams are lined up you'll see what I mean.