Rangers didn’t beat PSV - but I couldn’t be happier with the performance and effort they gave us.

The players offered up everything. Was it perfect? No, it wasn’t. Did everyone have a perfect performance? No, they didn’t. But when I watch Rangers, I want to see effort and desire. If it doesn’t bring a result then I will be happy. Rangers certainly showed that in abundance.

Make no mistake, PSV are a quality outfit, impressive in their structure and dynamic. They have spent millions on their rebuild, splashing out close to €50m on the likes of Noa Lang - and you can see their quality. They swarmed all over Rangers whether they were in or out of possession.

We could have still sneaked it, a late block of a Danilo shot and Rabbi Matondo inches away from a wonder volley were the difference between a draw and a truly sweet victory. Rangers, through sheer grit and determination, were worthy of such a result. The two individual moments of quality from Sima and Rabbi Matondo prove this team is capable of producing when it counts.

It’s going to be a tough task. Rangers will have to be at the top of their game. They will have to take the opportunities if and when they come. PSV will be heavy favourites and their arrogance will ensure they expect to qualify. But make no mistake, Rangers are more than in this tie. You only have to cast your mind back one year to see that this can be done in all too familiar circumstances.

For those that love coincidences, last year Rangers would lead 2-1 at Ibrox and conceded to a set piece to draw 2-2. Even down to the finer details of Joey Veerman being a loudmouth and criticising Rangers' performance.

The similarities are uncanny. Rangers will have to be at their very best to overcome the Dutch side but I’d have taken a puncher's chance before the fixture began so I’ll take it again as we head to Holland next week. Rangers will be underdogs but we were underdogs last year also. I believe in this group of players.

Slowly, things are beginning to come together. That performance will do the group no harm at all, it’s the first time they have ever been under such an offensive onslaught and as the manager rightly pointed out, it’s the first time they have had to fight and dig for each other. That togetherness will be needed going forward.

READ MORE: You Rangers Questions: James Tavernier's PSV performance assessed

In the space of nine days, Rangers will face three defining games, even this early on. Ross County will be a tough match, make no mistake. They are capable of causing problems. We should be confident of getting a result but these games are never as straightforward as we’d like them to be.

Then the little matter of the aforementioned trip to Holland and the excitement that will bring where our European future will be decided. European football is secured but the competition destination will be determined. The Europa League may just suit this club in terms of the levels we are at and being able to put in a sustained performance. The financial implications mean almost a double whammy for entry which will mean a lot to the club.

All this will be followed by Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday in the final game of a hectic August schedule. Rangers start to this season hasn’t been without its ups and downs but many will remember I forecasted that we may just have to slog through this month and take the results before this squad begins to settle. I see glimpses, I see what we are trying to do and individually I see moments from the new signings.

If the Rabbi Matondo redemption arc has taught us anything it is that these players will take time to settle. I remain confident we are going in the right direction even if at times I want to see more. Football has a funny habit of swinging quickly. All of a sudden if Rangers can have a good week everyone’s mood will swing towards a more confident position.

But off the pitch, some transfer activity may help that frame of mind. The ongoing saga with Glen Kamara seems to be moving along at a snail's pace, the desire to move him on remains but almost out of the blue Ianis Hagi seems destined to join him. Rangers have already raked in upwards of £6m for the sales of Antonio Colak and Fashion Sakala Jnr, and if these two exit it could cover the cost of our incomings entirely plus some.

It’s not unreasonable to hope that Rangers have their eye on an incoming signing or two. A left central defender remains an option with Leicester City's Australia international Harry Souttar continuing to be mentioned. A tricky Ryan Kent replacement also remains a necessity by the manager's admission.

Rangers faced a lot of criticism for not adding to their squad last season towards the deadline, especially after Champions League qualification. I have a theory that the club are well aware of that fact and may leave a signing or two to avoid any repeat of that outcry. Put it this way, I doubt business is finished one way or the other.

In a week that saw League Cup progression - winning those games isn’t for everyone by the way - and a fine showing against PSV, Rangers' task is to build on this. We are capable but we will all be seated on the usual rollercoaster - of that I have no doubts.

There's nowhere else I'd rather be. Good luck Rangers.