Rangers manager Steven Gerrard was full of praise for Ovie Ejaria and Ryan Kent after the Glasgow club edged into the Europa League third qualifying round.
The Liverpool legend was pleased with the fitness levels of his squad members as the Gers edged past Croatian side NK Osijek 2-1 on aggregate.
Gerrard’s side will now face Maribor in the next qualifying round, facing a rematch with the Slovenians who knocked them out at the play-off stage in 2011.
Gerrard said, as quoted by the club’s official Twitter account, “I was delighted with the energy levels of Ejaria and Kent.
?? SG: I was delighted with the energy levels of Ejaria and Kent, big European nights in front of 50,000 are new for them which is why it's no surprise they grow into the game as it progressed.
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) August 3, 2018
“Big European nights in front of 50,000 are new for them which is why it’s no surprise they grow into the game as it progressed.
“I’m really pleased with our fitness levels, we feel like we are in good shape and our fitness levels are good ahead of a high-tempo game.
“We’ve made it very clear that shirts are up for grab and it won’t be the same team, there will be different formations and different players playing throughout the season.”
OPINION
Gerrard has used his contacts at Liverpool to lure two key loan signings who are going to be featuring on a regular occasion at Ibrox this season. With Ejaria and Kent both in the youth stages of their careers, Gerrard will offer the pair regular game time in order to improve their game and they seem to be taking the opportunity with strong hands. Spirits are high at the club before Sunday’s opening league fixture against Aberdeen and, despite featuring in Europa League qualifiers, the duo remain in strong shape. Gerrard has made it clear that first-team spots are not guaranteed and players will have to fight to earn their place in the starting eleven but the Liverpool youngsters have already shown their potential worth with spirited displays in front of a large Ibrox crowd. Both players featured in both legs of Rangers’ battle against Osijek and should be given more opportunities to shine in the long list of upcoming matches.