Arthur's Column // 16th August 2023

To pull off a positive result in Europe, it requires a team performance. And that's what Rangers delivered in the 1-1 draw against Servette to make it through to the Champions League play-off tie against PSV Eindhoven.

After going a goal down to the Swiss side, Michael Beale's players remained calm and focused. I thought the way we played in the second half was really encouraging. We found a way to stop Servette's flow and penetration.

But we need to thank Jack Butland for two vital saves. When it mattered, the former England goalkeeper showed his quality. During my career, I was fortunate to play with some top goalkeepers such as Edwin van der Sar, Stefan Klos and Ronald Waterreus. They pulled off save after save, week after week. I helped bring success to the team and Jack looks as though he is going to be the same for Rangers.

It was going to require someone of stature and ability to fill Allan McGregor's gloves and Jack is more than up to the task.

Of course, the result had a lot to do with James Tavernier and it was delightful to see both of our full-backs combine to get the equaliser.

Borna Barisic's cross was absolutely brilliant and the captain was there to get in at the back post with an accurate header.

We never looked back after that moment.

Nico Raskin was also superb. His energy levels were incredible and he broke up so many phases of play from Servette. We now look ahead to Tuesday night at Ibrox for the game against PSV.

My other former club had a comfortable win against Sturm Graz and they are in very good form just now. They are particularly strong in wide areas and we will need to defend really, really well to win this tie.

PSV are on top form just now and earlier this month beat league champions Feyenoord in De Kuip Stadium 1-0 in the Johan Cruyff Cup Final.

As was the case last season, this will be a very close game over 180 minutes, but, maybe, PSV are slight favourites at the moment.

However, nothing is won on paper. It's about ability and mentality, what you do on the night in the heat of the moment.

It's about defending for your lives and taking chances when they come in the opposition penalty area. We will need to be lethal and not wasteful.

Before that, of course, we play Morton in the League Cup on Saturday.

It's important to win and get into the quarter-final as we should be aiming to win this tournament to get us back into the habit of lifting silverware.