Rangers stress 'vital' importance of reaching Europa League semi-finals

Giovanni van Bronckhorst has stressed that it is “vital” that Rangers manage to overcome a first leg 1-0 defeat to Braga to reach the semi-finals of the Europa League.

It is all to play for at Ibrox on Thursday evening as the sides meet for a fourth time in little over two years. Rangers beat Braga 3-2 on the last occasion they hosted the Portuguese side. Away goals are no longer an issue and the same result would mean extra-time following Rangers’ 1-0 defeat in the quarter final first leg in Portugal last week.

Van Bronckhorst suggested failure is not an option.

There has been a 12-point swing in favour of Celtic since January, when Rangers were six points clear of their rivals at the top of their Premiership.

Although he was reluctant to describe the next few days as season defining, Van Bronckhorst is conscious of the need to avoid another setback in a crucial period for the club.

Rangers face Celtic in a Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden on Sunday. The teams also meet a fortnight later in the last Old Firm league game of the season at Celtic Park. As with Thursday, that is a must-win encounter for Rangers.

Van Bronckhorst confirmed that Calvin Bassey and Ryan Jack will return to the squad for the Braga game after being absent for the 4-0 win over St Mirren last Sunday. He also revealed that defender Filip Helander, who is not part of Rangers’ European squad, will miss the remainder of the season with a foot injury.

Midfielder John Lundstram, who has played an integral part in the run to the last eight, is back in training after being replaced during the first half against St Mirren with a groin issue.

“I am focusing on tomorrow, which is reaching the semi-finals of Europe, which is a great achievement if we are