Gerrard relaxed ahead of Shkupi match

17 July 2018, 07:12

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard believes his team can exploit the gaps as Shkupi chase the game in Macedonia on Tuesday.

Gerrard's side lead 2-0 in the Europa League first qualifying round after James

Tavernier's stoppage-time penalty in the first leg changed the complexion of the tie.

Shkupi had frustrated Rangers at Ibrox after Jamie Murphy's early opener but Gerrard expects them to throw caution to the wind in Skopje.

"They came with a game plan to be organised and a team block and to be difficult to break down," he said.

"I respect their game plan at Ibrox but I expect something completely different tomorrow (Tuesday).

"Shkupi are losing 2-0 in the tie at half-time so if they come with an aggressive style and they want to push to get back into the tie, I actually think that's playing into our hands, because to push and to be aggressive, they obviously have to take risks.

"So we need to be ready to pounce on any risks to kill the tie. We believes one goal kills the tie.

"We know it is going to be hot and humid, and it might be a tricky surface and a tricky game, but we are ready for whatever gets thrown at us."

The former Liverpool skipper added: "I think the scoreline suggests that FC Shkupi have to be aggressive.

"They're the home team so it doesn't make sense for them to be defensive and sit back. So we'll be ready for an aggressive style."