Gordon Strachan raves about Rangers after win, says one player in ‘form of his life’

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Gordon Strachan has raved about Rangers on BT Sport (10.25pm) after Steven Gerrard’s side got their Europa League campaign off to a flyer with a 2-0 win over Standard Liege – and Strachan is clearly impressed by one player.

Rangers traveled to Belgium, tasked with a tricky away clash against an exciting Liege side. But the Gers continued their excellent defensive work this season – keeping an impressive 12th clean sheet in 15 league and cup games.

James Tavernier scored his ninth goal of the campaign from the penalty spot after an early handball from a Liege player. Rangers had chances, as did Liege, until Kemar Roofe scored a goal that immediately went viral.

Picking up the ball inside his own half, he went past a handful of Liege players before smashing a shot from inside his own half into the Liege net. Ex-Celtic boss Strachan applauded Rangers, picking Tavernier for individual praise.

“Their possession play was good, transition was excellent and their back four was magnificent,” Strachan summed up, when asked about Rangers. “Allan McGregor never had to make a save. They’ve been fantastic in Europe.

Even ex-Celtic managers are taking a step back and giving Rangers credit – and it is certainly deserved. Gerrard has got his side playing in a way that is almost impenetrable. 12 clean sheets in 15 games is absolutely sensational.

Baring in mind, that is just four goals conceded in those 15 – including difficult matches against Celtic, Galatasaray, Willem II and now Liege. Rangers deserve praise, even from the likes of Strachan.