THE European nights under the Ibrox floodlights gave Steven Davis some of the most memorable occasions of his first stint with Rangers.

Now the Northern Irishman is embarking on another continental campaign and showing that he, and Steven Gerrard’s side, can still mix it with their Europa League rivals.

By the time Davis had returned to Rangers last season, the Light Blues had already made an impression on the European stage but seen their ambitions come to a premature end.

Gerrard would guide his side through four qualifiers and into a section with Villarreal, Spartak Moscow and Rapid Vienna. Ultimately, though, Rangers would come up just short in Group G.

Having achieved the same feat to make it into the sections once again, the ambition now for Rangers is to go one step further this term.

Victory over Feyenoord a fortnight ago was the perfect start. On a raucous night at Ibrox, Gerrard’s side produced a thrilling performance to earn an impressive victory.

Davis was one of the stars of the show against the Dutch giants. Now he hopes to play his part in another European triumph when Rangers make the trip to face Young Boys on Thursday evening.

“Of course it is vital for a club of this stature to be back competing in Europe again and we know how important these nights are for the fans as well as the players and everyone involved here,” he said.

“They are special nights to be involved in and we want more of them. It is a good start but there is still a lot of work left to do in the group.

“The home games are going to be vital for us in terms of progressing from the group and it was a great start against Feyenoord. There are going to be some tough games to come because it is a difficult group but I am sure the boys will take a lot of confidence from the Feyenoord game.

“Listen, every game is different and it will be difficult over there. There is an onus on the home teams to come out and try and win the game.

“I think the boys will have learned a lot from the experience of last year so, as a group, I feel we are stronger than we were last year. Hopefully we can go and show that in the group.”

During his first trophy-laden spell at Ibrox, Davis would showcase his talents in the Champions League and help Walter Smith’s side reach the UEFA Cup final in Manchester.

Both of those feats are somewhat outwith the grasp of Gerrard and his players at present but Rangers’ exploits in Europe have been hugely encouraging over the last two terms.

The Feyenoord game sparked memories of those big games of yesteryear. As Rangers paid tribute to Fernando Ricksen, they produced a showing the Dutchman would certainly have been proud of.

Davis said: “The European nights at Ibrox are always special and the Feyenoord game obviously had an extra meaning to it as well after Fernando’s passing so it was a very special night for us. The fans were unbelievable, there was a great atmosphere in the stadium. The first half performance, against a good side, really set us up and it was great to get off to a good start in the group.

“The atmosphere against Legia and then against Feyenoord was unbelievable and that does push the boys on and give you energy.

“I think we set our stall out early against Feyenoord to go after them and not allow them to play out from the back because we knew they were comfortable on the ball.

“I thought we did that really well in the first half then in the second half they had a bit more possession.

“We felt comfortable in the game and when they did get through Greegsy was there to stop them. Overall, we are delighted with the start we have made to the group.”

There wasn’t a failure in the side as Feyenoord were beaten thanks to Sheyi Ojo’s first half strike.

Davis added a touch of class to the Gers midfield. At 34, he is as composed as ever and undoubtedly one of Gerrard’s main men.

Davis said: “I think there is good competition for places. When we have a couple of injuries, people can step in and perform and that is what a squad is all about. Hopefully we will have a number of games over the course of the season and it is going to be a real squad effort to go and get some success.

“Listen, everyone wants to play as often as they can and I am sure the manager will make the decisions at the right time when he feels that the team needs freshened up. He has done that already in different games.

“I am enjoying my football and that is the main thing. I am feeling good. Once you get to this stage, everyone starts questioning you. But I have got a bit of life left in me yet!”