BBC pundit praises Rangers trio for European heroics, comments on Celtic

BBC Sport pundit Tam McManus has praised two Glasgow Rangers players after Steven Gerrard steered the Ibrox side to the next stage in Europe.

Gerrard took his Rangers side to Portugal on Wednesday night to take on Braga in the second leg of their Europa League last 32 clash.

The Gers delivered a European night for the ages at Ibrox last week, coming back from two down to win 3-2 in the first leg, and as such, had to be fully focused not to let the tie slip.

Rangers did just that and George Edmundson, who replaced Nikola Katic in the XI after his poor display against St Johnstone, was especially superb for Gerrard and co.

McManus praised Edmundson for his display and Gerrard for his gamble that paid off, before also paying tribute to Allan McGregor for his one-on-on save in the first leg at Ibrox when two down.

Here is what the former Hibs man wrote on Twitter:

Very good away performance from Rangers. Thought they defended strongly and were well organised. Always a threat going forward. Gerrard got it right bringing in Edmundson thought he was superb. They key point in the whole tie was Allan McGregor’s save 1v1 when 2-0 at Ibrox. ??

— Tam McManus (@The_Tman10) February 26, 2020

McManus also hoped that Rangers could avoid Celtic until the final:

Hopefully if Celtic get through tomorrow they can avoid Rangers until the final ???

— Tam McManus (@The_Tman10) February 26, 2020

TBR View:

Gerrard may have found himself under fire for some of Rangers’ domestic performances this season but in terms of European competition, everything the Ibrox boss has touched has turned to gold.

Katic’s performance against St Johnstone clearly provided Gerrard with food for thought and his decision to name the relatively inexperienced Edmundson in his place reaped dividends.

In hindsight, McGregor’s save in the first leg was absolutely crucial, stemming what could have been a potential rout.