Eagles star gets applause after reaching Europa League knockout rounds
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has heaped praises on Joe Aribo and his teammates following their passage into the UEFA Europa League round of 32.
The Scottish side booked their place in the next round after a 1-1 draw with Swiss side Youngs Boys at the Ibrox on Thursday, with Aribo featuring for 90 minutes.
The Nigerian international had two glorious moments to doubled his side’s lead in the game, but poor finishing let him down on both occasions.
The misses would prove costly later on as Young Boys benefitted from an 89th minutes own goal from Rangers defender to snatch a valueless point.
However Gerrard is unfazed by the result of the game, instead he lauded the team for bouncing back from a cup final defeat to put out a memorable display.
“I can’t criticise them boys [for the nerves getting to them]. There’s not a high level of European experience in the group. But on the back of a cup final where we put everything into that game and had two days to recover, no-one should understate what they’ve done.
“No-one gave us a chance. I sat in the canteen with the players and squad when the draw was made. It’s going to be very nice to see Rangers in the draw, among some elite teams around Europe.
[News] Match Report – Rangers 1 – 1 Young Boys – https://t.co/YGaFxdIXWV
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“It was an aim and target when I came through the door, get respect back in European competitions. Fans live for this. Getting through gives the club a bit of kudos, for sure,” he said.
Rangers will know their round of 32 opponents on Monday, but next up for them is a trip to Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.