Davis backs Gers to bounce back

30 July 2011 13:17
Steven Davis has backed Rangers to show a vast improvement when they face Malmo in next week's Champions League qualifier second leg.[LNB] The Scottish champions are trailing in the tie as a result of a Daniel Larsson strike at Ibrox, which leaves their hopes of progressing to the lucrative group stages in the balance.[LNB]Davis insists everyone at the club is well aware of the importance of European football and he believes Rangers can respond positively to the pressure they find themselves under already this season.[LNB]He said: "We would have liked to have gone straight into the Champions League but we know this is the situation we are in. We have to try to qualify and hopefully that's what we will do.[LNB]"There is a lot of pressure early on in the season and it's vital for the club to be involved in European competition.[LNB]"Malmo are halfway through their season so it makes it difficult and there are a few factors that go against you.[LNB]"But that's the position that we're in and we have to do better than what we showed on Tuesday night."[LNB]Rangers have never won a European tie after losing the first game at home and they will have to rectify that following their loss to the Swedes.[LNB]Davis added: "We know that but it's a chance for us to achieve a bit of history.[LNB]"Judging by our second half performance, we know we are capable of creating chances against them and causing them problems. It's just a matter of taking them.[LNB]"If we get a goal ahead over there, it looks a lot brighter. By no means is the tie over and we are still confident we can progress."[LNB]Rangers began their defence of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title with a draw against Hearts at Ibrox last weekend, before slumping to an even more disappointing result at the hands of Malmo on Tuesday.[LNB]Davis said: "It's the same old story, following on from the game at the weekend.[LNB]"We didn't start brightly in the first half and once we go a goal behind, it's an uphill battle and it gives them something to hold onto. That proved to be the case.[LNB]"We changed things a little bit in the second half, we played better and created a few chances and we should have taken a few of them. We just need to approach this game in the right way.[LNB]"Obviously we don't want to go over there and concede an early goal and make things twice as hard. It's important we approach it in the right way and I think we are more than capable of going through."[LNB]Malmo had played 17 domestic matches ahead of their visit to Glasgow, while Rangers had just one competitive outing under their belts.[LNB]Davis said: "We are not going to use it as an excuse but it is definitely a factor.[LNB]"It will maybe take another two or three games before we are fully up to speed.[LNB]"We understand that but, at the same time, there is pressure on you when you play for a club like Rangers.[LNB]"You have to get results there and then and it was a massive game for us and we came away from it feeling frustrated and disappointed."[LNB]

Source: Team_Talk