STEVEN GERRARD has dismissed reports that James Tavernier could miss Thursday evening’s Europa League last-32 tie against Royal Antwerp through injury – calling the claims ‘fake news’. 

The Daily Mail reported that the Rangers captain had limped off during training and was therefore a doubt for the European clash in Belgium but Gerrard has waved away those concerns. 

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Speaking to Rangers TV ahead of tomorrow’s game, the Ibrox boss said: "We have seen recent rumours that James [Tavernier] is carrying a niggle which is fake news. 

“There is nothing in that.” 

The Premiership league leaders travel to Antwerp hoping to repeat their feats of last season when Gerrard’s side made it to the last 16 of the Europa League before eventually being knocked out by German giants Bayer Leverkusen. 

Rangers will be quietly confident about their prospects, having already defeated fellow Belgian top-flight outfit Standard Liege home and away this term, while playing the second leg of the tie in Govan could prove crucial for them. 

The men from Ibrox remain unbeaten in Europe this season and finished top of a Group D containing Liege, Benfica and Lech Poznan to book their place in the knockout stage.