Gerrard concerned for injured Rangers duo after European victory

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has admitted he is worried about the extent of the injuries suffered by Kemar Roofe and James Tavernier during his side’s win against Royal Antwerp.

A second half comeback saw Rangers win 4-3 in the Europa League tie in Belgium but the visitors’ joy was tempered by the loss of team captain Tavernier after a block challenge that left him with an apparent knee injury,

There was further concern when Kemar Roofe had to be substituted with a calf injury that Gerrard revealed is likely a recurrence of an injury that saw the striker sidelined earlier in the season.

“I’m concerned for both,” the Rangers manager said.

“I’m more concerned for Kemar mainly because he feels it’s the same injury that he missed two to three weeks from.

“We think it’s a problem with his calf muscle but we’ll look at it in the coming days, in terms of a scan.

“With James we’ll have to wait and see. He’s gone into a block tackle and felt some pain in his knee area. We’ll let it settle down and get him scanned as well.

“We feel really good about the result but I’m concerned for both players because they are very important for the group.”

Reflecting on the game, which gives Rangers an advantage heading into the second leg of the last-32 tie next week, Gerrard applauded his players for their attitude and determination at overcoming the deficit.

However, the manager was concerned by the manner of the goals the team conceded and said it highlighted that the team was still a work in progress.

“I’m very pleased with the outcome of the game,” he said. “I think the boys showed amazing character to keep going and keep fighting for the right result.

“It was a crazy match and I’m sure the neutrals enjoyed it but as a manager I’ll be looking into it because we had too many issues defensively. The goals we’ve conceded are poor from our point of view.

“There’s certainly work to do and improving to do, especially at this level where you get punished a lot more.

“But in terms of what the players are giving me, I asked them for more at half time because I wouldn’t say we were half-hearted but we went a little bit slow and were lethargic at times. We conceded goals that we don’t normally concede.

“So I asked the players for more both in and out of possession, and I told them to play with more belief and personality because we were getting opportunities but weren’t really taking them.

“Second half we played with much more character and belief.

“The outcome of the game was fantastic for us but there’s still a lot more improving to do.”