Rangers boss 'disappointed' to settle for Olympiakos draw as key omission explained amid call for more leaders

Rangers secured a 1-1 draw against Olympiacos to keep their Europa League qualification hopes alive and kicking

Rangers are now unbeaten in their last five away matches in the Europa League after holding Greek giants Olympiakos to a 1-1 draw - and manager Philippe Clement heaped praise on his side for producing a “very disciplined” performance in Piraeus.

Rangers' defender James Tavernier (R) celebrates with teammates at full-time | AFP via Getty Images

placeholder image — Rangers' defender James Tavernier (R) celebrates with teammates at full-time | AFP via Getty Images

Cyriel Dessers clinched a potentially vital point for the Ibrox side in their bid to reach the latter stages of the competition as they came from behind against last season’s Conference League champions in a fiesty game played out in front of a hostile atmosphere. Ayoub El Kaabi had fired the home side ahead early in the second half before Dessers’ replied with an impressive finish from just inside the box.

The result leaves the Light Blues on seven points with another away trip to French outfit Nice up next followed by ‘Battle of Britain’ showdowns against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.

Cyriel Dessers was on target for Rangers in Piraeus. | AP

Clement admitted post-match he saw a lot of positives from his side but felt they had enough opportunities to win the game.

The Belgian boss told BBC Sportsound: “A very strong performance as a team, sticking to the plan, being very disciplined and using the spaces. Disappointed we didn’t win the game, that’s the next step we need to take. But I saw a lot of positive things and I need to praise the whole team for that.

“I don’t want players happy with a point. We went for the three points and that’s the mentality I want to see against any opponent. Our midfield was massive tonight. Our defence was really solid. Jack (Butland) didn’t have to make many saves.”

Struggling Gers captain James Tavernier was omitted from the starting line-up in Greece, having drawn plenty of criticism from supporters for his displays this season. Asked to explain his decision in more detail, Clement stated: “That’s never an easy decision, but I want more than one captain in the group. If you come at a certain age you can’t play 60 games at the same level.

“We knew that before the season. It’s about competition for places. It’s about one team, winning together. That’s Rangers - one team, one family, going for one goal.”