Steven Gerrard: Rangers won't underestimate Osijek challenge in Europa League clash

The Light Blues set up the second round meeting by seeing off FK Shkupi and will look to take a positive result back to Ibrox.

And boss Gerrard won’t underestimate the challenge that his side will face in the Stadion Gradski vrt.

Read more: Steven Gerrard: There will be no complacency in Rangers squad after Ibrox additions this summer

He said: “I think it is certainly a level up from the previous challenge that we had over in Macedonia and the Croatian league is a lot stronger than the Macedonian league.

“I know they finished fourth in the league but they finished fourth to some big hitters and they have had a good campaign.

“We have watched them closely and they have got match winners in their make up. They have got pace, they have got power and they are a threat from set pieces.

“They are also very bold in the way they play, especially at home, and they push players forward so they have got a very attacking philosophy.

“That can be admired if they get joy but at the same time we have got to try and use it to our advantage and if they pile men forward we have to try and capitalise.”

Rangers will be cheered on by a few hundred supporters as they bid for a first leg win in Croatia.

Read more: Ryan Jack determined to change his European fortunes with Rangers​

And Gerrard reckons there will be a buzz about the home support following their exploits in Russia this summer.

He said: “I think there should be a feelgood factor and there is certainly a respect from where we are for Croatian football and the job that they did at the World Cup.

“I am not saying that has any bearing on this game because none of those players were at the World Cup but they have got people within their make up that have got caps.

“I saw them described as minnows and that is very disrespectful. These are no minnows.

“This is a good team, a dangerous team and a higher calibre of individual and team than we faced the last time.”