Scott Arfield insists reaching the Champions League group stage was the natural next step for an improving Rangers side.
By knocking out PSV in Eindhoven on Wednesday the Govan outfit bagged their place in the draw and have landed some incredible competition. But midfielder Arfield reckons the Light Blues can be competitive in the next stage of the prestigious competition, despite the challenges of the star studded group they find themselves in. And in particular, he insists the whole side are looking forward to meeting Liverpool in competitive action for the first time ever.
Thee 33-year-old is sure the big stage will allow Rangers to show exactly what they are all about now. Arfield arrived at Ibrox in the summer of 2018 and has enjoyed a fair few European nights since. And after Rangers' run to Seville last term, the former Canada international hopes the challenge of Champions League football will help Gio van Bronckhorst 's side push on even more.
Speaking to Rangers TV about the group draw, Arfield said: “I think as we can be very competitive. As always there are a lot of big dogs in there and that’s the way it is in this competition. We want to be as competitive as possible.
“The three of them are amazing – and amazing cities that we are looking forward to going to. Obviously the one that will be the centre of attention will be the the Liverpool one.
“It’s closer to home an we know the following will be sensational and that’s the one we are probably looking forward to the most. They have been finalists numerous years and they are one the best teams in the world but now we can show what we are all about now."
Arfield is also confident that his side have hugely improved since he arrived, with this summer's additions specifically helping them to do so. He added: “I think over the four and a half years we have continued to progress – especially in Europe – firstly qualifying for the group stages then getting out of them, last 32 and then last 16 and of course last season we got to the final without winning the trophy.
“This was the next stage for us albeit we have had to do in a more difficult way. I think you see with the calibre of player we have brought in over the years we are in a far better place now.
“I think everyone is playing to their natural talents within a structure where you are hard to beat. Footballers are at their best when they are free to express themselves and I think we are doing that at the minute.
“We have goals all over the pitch, particularly in Malik and Tom who can score from long distances so that only adds to our armoury. So any opportunity you get to play you feel you can influence the game.
“Antonio has done brilliantly (too). As usual you’re judged by your goals when you’re a striker and he has hit the ground running there. He probably could have had more numbers with the chances that he’s had.
“But he has certainly impressed and the two big goals that he scored in the PSV tie to take us through have been sensational for us. Overall the way he presses off the ball and the things he does that maybe the fans don’t see like getting up and down the pitch we really appreciate. He knew that he owed us these goals after knocking us out last year. He was told that the first day he came in.
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