Jack Butland spoke to the media after the first leg of Rangers' Champions League play-off against PSV. Here's everything he had to say after the 2-2 draw...

How did you find it? 

It was pretty special. It was some atmosphere and we were pretty disappointed by the result, but it was a good performance. We were good value for it and it gives us something to go to Eindhoven next week to get the job done. 

Did the Ibrox atmosphere on a big European night live up to expectations? 

Yes, and then some. It was an incredible atmosphere and I wish we had held on for the win. It was one of the best atmospheres that I’ve played in and hopefully, there’s more to come. 

Frustrating to lose a set-piece goal? 

You can be frustrated but we’ve played against a top side and put ourselves in a good position for next week. It’s a two-legged tie but you can look at it in different ways. Rabbi, what an impact he made. Sima, what a finish. A lot of positives to come from it, maybe we could have scored more goals, or could we have been a bit tidier and better? Yeah, but that is where we will get better as a team. Positive night, really enjoyed it and really looking forward to next week.

Message from the manager at half-time? 

It was just to be calm. We are a squad that is pushing and trying to be better. The message was to be calm because we had a good position in the game. We wanted to win the second half, we didn’t manage to do that but we’ve stayed in the tie. 

Performance to build on? 

We’ve got to go to Ross County and get the job done. We can look forward to next week and that’s the good thing about these ties. It’s a good audition for next Wednesday and hopefully, we can step up again. 

 

Thoughts on Rabbi Matondo’s performance? 

Obviously, I’ve only known Rabbi this season but he’s one hell of a character around the place. You wish he’d be quiet sometimes but he brings a lot of energy to the building. I’m sure it’s been tough because he’s waited a long time for a goal but he trains well and he’s a great guy. He’s made a big impact in a few games this season and hopefully, that’s a sign of things to come. I’m really pleased for him and he was top drawer. 

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How can this Rangers side improve? 

We are Rangers. We don’t concern ourselves with others and we are always trying to better ourselves. That’s the standard and expectations here. There’s no such thing as being perfect so we will continue to look to improve. It’s a constant thing and we are looking where we will be for the first cup on December 17th, the second cup and the league at the end of the season. It’s a work in progress but the expectation is there to win. 

Is it an advantage that PSV have a free weekend? 

Maybe not. For us, it’s about momentum. I’ve never wanted to not have a busy schedule.  It’s another game, another opportunity to go and win and build that moment. I’d rather go into next Wednesday with a game in between.