A Wednesday morning session at an overcast Hummel Training Centre is some way from a Thursday night under the floodlights at Ibrox.

But Steven Gerrard will go into the clash with Porto this evening confident of a performance and a result after seeing his Rangers players hit the required standards and levels during their final warm-up for a potentially defining Europa League clash.

The 39-year-old was bullish about Rangers’ prospects as he looked ahead to a game that could put them within touching distance of a knock-out berth.

The point earned in Porto could prove crucial, but only if Rangers capitalise on their two home matches against the Portuguese giants tonight and Young Boys on matchday six.

Gerrard said: “The plan was to take something away from the away leg. Obviously, we wanted to win the tie over there but the draw and performance was positive for us because it’s put us where we are now, knowing that if we take the three points against them at home then we’re in a great position.

“We have got real good competition for places right now. You can only judge the intensity and quality of training.

“This morning’s session was really high level. The players are up for it and challenging each other for starting places.

“I don’t think you have to get the players up for this one because they know the occasion, the stage and the environment. Normally when you get a spiky training session, all of them at it across the board, it flows into the game 24 hours later.

“It (spiky) just means where they are at each other, that it’s niggly and real. That’s the way I like it. You have to practice and train the way you play. It gives me a good feeling that it’s not just the 11 from the weekend who are in a good place, it’s the whole group.”

The feelgood factor was given another boost on Sunday as a Betfred Cup final place was secured with a 3-0 Hampden victory over Hearts.

Another win this evening could put Rangers top of Group G and Gerrard’s side would be on course to go at least one step further in the competition than they did last term.

Those thoughts will have to wait until Porto have been taken care of, though.

Gerrard said: “I think the whole building is happy after the weekend and the supporters are as well. We want to keep that positive feeling and roll it into the Porto tie.

“The reaction to the last game against them was very positive as well. However, we can’t forget the level of performance and application from that night because something very similar will be required, hopefully with us going one better.

“We’re aware that this could be a big result in the group. Even before a ball has been kicked, we knew the importance of doing well in our home games and taking as many points as we could and we did that with a wonderful win over Feyenoord.

“If we can match that against Porto it’ll give us a certain amount of control in the group with two ties left to play and that would be an excellent position to be in.

“But right now myself and the players can only focus on the game plan and how best to deliver it because we believe putting in the same level of performance as we showed in Portugal will give us a really good chance.”

Ibrox has played host to two memorable European ties already this term as Legia Warsaw and Feyenoord were beaten.

Gerrard lived the dream in continental competition as a player. The occasions give him the same satisfaction and sense of enjoyment from the dugout.

He said: “It’s difficult to enjoy the build up and actual game because you are trying to prepare a lot of people and make sure everyone’s at it. There are a lot of small details to make sure the messages are getting across.

“During the game, you are obviously trying to stay calm within the emotion of the game because you have to be prepared to make big decisions if certain things happen. But when you get the right result in Europe it’s the same buzz, being on the side or on the pitch. It’s a fantastic feeling.”