GLENN MIDDLETON is confident Rangers can build on their Europa League draw with Villarreal and challenge for a knock-out berth this season.

The Light Blues got their Group G campaign off to an impressive start in Spain last month as they twice came from behind to earn a point against the La Liga giants.

Now Steven Gerrard’s side will host Rapid Vienna in their second match tomorrow night aiming to continue their superb form on the continent.

Rangers had to progress through four qualifying ties against Shkupi, Osijek, Maribor and Ufa to reach the European group stages for the first time in seven years.

And winger Middleton, who made an impact off the bench at the Estadio de la Cerámica, has backed the Gers to go from strength to strength this term.

He told SportTimes: “We have set the standard now and we know what we are capable of after coming up against a team like that and getting a result. Hopefully it continues now.

“Everyone wants to qualify and, as a football club, Rangers are not there to make up the numbers, regardless of who we are playing. If we take it game by game, we will see where it takes us.

"It was just the start getting to the Groups. Obviously it was a long and tough qualifying run to get through but we did it. That is just the first step and now it is up to us to take on the next five games and see where it goes.”

Rangers have turned in some of their finest performances under boss Gerrard in European action this term and are still unbeaten in nine outings abroad.

But their form at home has been more unconvincing as a handful of points have been dropped in the opening weeks of the Premiership campaign.

The visit of Vienna is a chance to get back on track after losing to Livingston at the weekend and Middleton knows the home crowd will have their own part to play as group stage action returns to Govan.

He said: “Any European night at Ibrox is special and the fans will always help carry you over the line. I think, as a squad, we know what will be asked of us but we are capable of delivering.

“It has been a long time coming and I am sure everyone will enjoy it but, at the same time, we need to be professional and play the game and not the occasion and get the three points. The crowd have been massive this season.

“Even in the games where we have been winning 2-0 or 3-0, the fans are always pushing you to get the next goal and if you play a sloppy pass you certainly know about it. But that is the standards of Rangers, everything has to be the best you can.”