Rangers boss Steven Gerrard demands his players show each other respect on tough away trip to Villarreal

STEVEN GERRARD has demanded his Rangers players show each other some respect and spare the need for another Europa League nailbiter.

The Ibrox side will make their first appearance in the group stages of a European competition for eight years when they take on Villarreal on Thursday night.

But they almost failed at the final qualifying hurdle when they saw Alfredo Morelos and Jon Flanagan both sent off against Russians Ufa in the previous round.

It took a heroic effort from Gerrard’s nine-man Gers as they clung on to the aggregate win which saw them into the round robin phase.

But the former Champions League winner knows his team will not get away with another drop in discipline when they take on a team that has featured in the group stages of the Europa League in each of the last five seasons.

Now Gerrard – who has also seen his side pick up 20 yellow cards in the competition so far – has warned his men to think of each other and behave.

He said: “I’m thinking of not using the word discipline in the team talk before the game because every time I do we seem to lose one or two players.

“It’s vitally important against top-level opposition such as Villarreal. The level will go up now and we’re playing against a fantastic team.

“It’s time my players respected and helped each other by remaining on the pitch as an 11, which certainly gives you a better chance.”

Thursday’s game will see the Rangers boss come up against former Arsenal foe Santi Cazorla.

While Gerrard is wary of the threat the 77-time capped Spain midfielder poses to his side, he is pleased to see the 33-year-old back in action after spending the final two years of his time with the Gunners battling injury.

“I wish he wasn’t facing us tomorrow,” said the former Liverpool captain.

“He is a fantastic player and a very difficult opponent. I’m very happy he has come through the big ankle injury he has suffered.

“The respect is mutual. He is a player who is great on the eye and I’m so pleased he can continue his career. He’s a superb player.”