Match Stats: Rangers v FC Shkupi – Europa League Qualifying 1st Round 1st Leg

Manager Steven Gerrard took charge of his first competitive match since coming into the Ibrox hot seat over the summer.

With plenty of eyes on his first proper selection as we go in search of a debut win as he occupies the dugout, a number of selections set tongues wagging such as Allan McGregor between the stick and Wes Foderingham not even making the bench, but there was a sense in Gerrard’s selection given this was the side that started the Bury friendly.

With the new squad gelling given our new arrivals, at least starting with the group that took in Bury, there was a slight chance greater understanding would be on show.

That decision seemed to pay off as Rangers took the lead through Jamie Murphy in a bright first half although Shkupi certainly had nerves rattling at points. Sadly the second period wasn’t quite as bright and the opposition had more chances of their own before we tied the game up with the late James Tavernier penalty. Thankfully Rangers weren’t made to pay for their wasted efforts and we go into the second leg with hopes of completing the job.