Arthur's Column // 10th May 2022

Watching Rangers defeat RB Leipzig last week to reach the Europa League Final made me feel very proud. The players were incredible and all played their part. But I do have to mention James Tavernier for some extra praise. The captain has been Mr Consistent since he arrived from Wigan Athletic in the summer of 2015 for a fee of around £300,000.

It was an incredible piece of business by the former manager, Mark Warburton. At 30, I feel that James has taken his game to another level since the arrival of Giovanni. His performances in Europe have been first class.

He opened the scoring last Thursday night to set the tone and we never looked back. That was his seventh goal in the Europa League and he is the top scorer in the tournament. He is a strong leader and a calming influence on and off the park.

Now, we are just all looking for another massive performance from him and his team-mates next midweek in Seville.

Eintracht Frankfurt will be tough opponents. They have played 12 games in Europe this season and haven't lost a game. They have knocked out Barcelona and West Ham in this campaign so their credentials aren't in doubt. But I just have a strong feeling we are going to do it. My optimism is based on how strong we are as a defensive unit.

Allan McGregor is brilliant in goals and then we have Connor Goldson and Calvin Bassey as the central partnership. They are so reliable. In front of them, Ryan Jack and John Lundstram offer rock solid protection. Steve Davis can also play. His experience and game-management are vital.

At the top end of the pitch we can create and score. Ryan Kent, Joe Aribo and Scott Wright are all in good form. Fashion Sakala is growing by the game. We will need to wait and see what options we have next Wednesday and who is fit and available.

I'm very excited and so pleased for Giovanni and the players. I'm also thrilled for the Rangers supporters. The backing they gave the team last Thursday was magnificent. It's just so disappointing that the Final will be played in a Stadium with a capacity of around 42,500. It should be so much more and it's a mistake by UEFA. Still, the Rangers fans will enjoy the occasion whether they are in the Stadium or not.