THE draw with Villarreal a couple of weeks ago was the most impressive result of Steven Gerrard’s managerial career and the most eye-catching that Rangers have earned this term.

But the Ibrox boss admitted in the aftermath of that night in Spain that it was the Premiership clash with St Johnstone that was the most important one of the week.

That will be same situation in the coming days. The Europa League fixture with Rapid Vienna is one Rangers want to win, of course, but Hearts is a must win.

That, as Gerrard said, would have been the case no matter when happened against Livingston on Sunday but the shock 1-0 defeat, and the manner of it, leaves Rangers with no margin of error against the Jambos.

When Gerrard took his side to El Madrigal earlier this month, he had few decisions to make in terms of his starting line-up. With Jon Flanagan and Alfredo Morelos suspended, the back four and forward line seemingly picked itself as Borna Barisic and Kyle Lafferty started.

The only surprise in the side was the debut for defender Joe Worrall as he replaced Nikola Katic. On the evidence so far, the Croatian should be back in the side on Thursday.

Going up against an established European outfit and one of the top teams in La Liga, Gerrard had no option but to go as strong as possible in a bid to get off to a positive start in Group G.

Now, though, his outlook could well change. With Hearts on the horizon, Gerrard has choices to make ahead of the visit of Vienna.

Does he go full strength on Thursday night and then ask the same players to go again when the Jambos come to Ibrox at the weekend?

Or does he mix it up a bit in midweek and save the legs of those that have already put in a significant shift this term for the meeting with Craig Levein’s side?

That is the balancing act that Gerrard will need to striker throughout the season as Rangers look to make their mark in Europe and achieve their domestic aims.

If he has any doubts over the ability of his players to perform twice in the space of a couple of days, then there is only one game that takes precedence. And it isn’t against the Austrians.

The positive for the Ibrox boss is that even if changes are made, the team does not have a second string feel to it. Such is the competition for places and options that he has, he can switch a couple of players and not materially weaken the side that takes to the park.

The demands of a group stage campaign were always going to take an extra toll this term but Gerrard will be confident that Rangers are well enough equipped to handle the exertions domestic and European exertions.

Supporters have become accustomed to seeing a team of players depart and another arrive as Mark Warburton, Pedro Caixinha and then Gerrard have overhauled the Ibrox squad.

It is Gerrard that has done the best job, however, and the Rangers ranks now have more strength and depth than they have had for several seasons. That needs to start coming through on the park, however.

The teamsheet for the win over Ayr United on Wednesday night told its own story about where this group are. There was no Allan McGregor, James Tavernier, Barisic or Lafferty and while the likes of Graham Dorrans and Jordan Rossiter stepped up their recovery from injury, Gareth McAuley and Ryan Jack have still to return.

Whether this group is capable of going on to deliver the success that Gerrard and supporters are demanding this term remains to be seen. Only time will tell if they are up to the challenge, both mentally and physically, of challenging for the Premiership crown and the cup silverware.

But Rangers are certainly in a better place on the park and on the bench than they have been for some time. That will help in Europe, but it must do so even more in Scotland.