Arthur's Column // 15th March 2022

RANGERS stand just 90 minutes away from the last eight of the Europa League and I'm confident we will make it.

The 3-0 destruction of Red Star Belgrade last Thursday was a superb result.

The team played very well and Allan McGregor pulled off that penalty save during a crucial stage of the match.

The Serbian side also played well, to be fair to them. So, we are well aware that they will be a difficult prospect on their own pitch.

As always, it will be important to keep things tight for the first 25 minutes.

With a passionate home crowd behind them, the last thing required is for them to get an early goal and really get them fired up.

Concentration and tactical discipline will be the two most important things.

The players have shown in European competition that they can do it and Giovanni will have them prepared and focused.

I think the team is moving in the right direction and the dropped points in the SPFL Premiership right after European games will be a thing of the past.

It was a real positive sign to go from Thursday into Sunday and win the Scottish Cup tie at Dundee by a 3-0 margin. It was a professional display.

The team is now in the semi-final and it will be against Celtic.

An Old Firm semi is very appealing. There will be respect there, of course, but there is nothing to fear.

I believe we will be back at Hampden Park on May 21st for the Final.

That is the last domestic game of the season and everything will be decided by then - the League title and the Europa League ties.

It all feels very positive just now and after Thursday in Serbia it is vital to go to Dundee on Sunday and win in the League.

The situation is very tight at the top of the table and also very exciting.

The Old Firm Premiership game is just around the corner but there are many things that need to be done before then and we can do it.