RANGERS kick-started their Europa League campaign with a convincing win over Danish champions Brondby at Ibrox.

First-half goals from Leon Balogun and Kemar Roofe sealed the three points.

Light Blues boss Steven Gerrard was a happy man come full-time as he spoke to the various media outlets.

Derek Clark analyses what was said.

Gerrard on qualification hopes

"I think if we are realistic when this group was made Lyon, rightly so, got the favourites tag and they came out of pot one.

"We certainly respect that and we saw the performance that they put in here at Ibrox. but you think to yourself ‘we will give it our best shot, we will still try and finish first’.

"The way it has panned out in the first three games, they have shown they are the strongest team in the group so far.

"What we need to do in two weeks time is try and replicate that, get onto six points and make it a really interesting game here when Prague come to town.

READ MORE: Ianis Hagi makes Rangers more to come prediction after Brondby win

"If we can take six points in a couple of weeks time, I think it is going to be really interesting and a fantastic game in match five."

The result is a big win, of that there is no question. Gerrard said it was a must-win game and Rangers certainly delivered a performance that matched the magnitude of the tie.

The manager is right in saying Lyon should win the group but second place is up for grabs for the three other teams and victory in Copenhagen would set up a humdinger of a game against Sparta Prague at Ibrox.

Gerrard on Joe Aribo

“I thought Joe really flexed his muscles tonight. I thought he played angry, in a good way. He really dominated all over the pitch especially in the first 45 minutes and at times in the second half.

“Naturally I thought he tired a little bit towards the end but that’s natural with what he put into the game in the first half.

“A lot of positives and a lot of praise for individuals but I’m more interested in the collective and I’m a lot more pleased and satisfied with our overall performance, still little bits and bobs to pick from it. Borna had my head in my hands just after half time but I suppose that’s football.”

Aribo was deservedly named man of the match for his display and Gerrard summed up his showing by saying he 'flexed his muscles'.

He certainly looked in the mood and we all know he is capable of putting in performances like that. He’s attracting attention from clubs down south and you can see why, on his game he’s unstoppable at times.

Rangers need more players now to step up to see them through this sticky patch that has plagued their season so far.

READ MORE: Rangers must hit their stride in the Europa League after Steven Gerrard's side get off and running with victory over Brondby

Gerrard on Leon Balogun's injury

"There is an update, but without him having an MRI scan or being assessed once everything is calm. He has felt something in there.

"We are hoping we have got to it before there is a tweak or any muscle damage.

"We are hoping it is a little bit of tightness and we will know in the next 24 hours. I will certainly be praying tonight.

"He felt something in his hamstring. That’s what he came off with, but he wasn’t sure if he felt something or whether it was a bit of tightness.

"We will work that out in the next 24 hours and hopefully he will pull through because he is important for us. I thought his performance was top tonight as well."

This was the one downside of the night and it will be of major concern for the coaching staff and fans alike.

With Fil Helander injured for the foreseeable future, Niko Katic out on loan and Jack Simpson not registered for the European squad, Rangers are very light in the centre half department.

Gerrard’s comments about him praying for the Nigerian national side highlights just how important he is to this Rangers side at the moment and given Calvin Bassey is inexperienced in that position, it’s vital he is available for the remainder of the Europa League campaign.

Gerrard on Newcastle United speculation

"Do I look happy? Do I look settled? Don't ask me silly questions then!"

This is a response that will delight the Rangers support. It comes amid reports which claimed Gerrard was on a shortlist of three for the vacant Magpies job.

There will have been many fans worried that he may be tempted to the North East given the recent takeover and seemingly endless pot of money but Gerrard’s reply certainly seems to suggest he’s going nowhere.