Rangers vice-captain Dan Neil says the Ibrox side is ready to use their European failure to fuel their desire for domestic success this season.
The team bounced back from their Conference League exit to Jablonec by beating Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Sunday, securing Derek McInnes' first Premiership win as manager and a vital three points.
Neil, who arrived this summer from Sunderland, is adamant that the Euro disappointment will not derail their quest for silverware in Scotland. The 24-year-old insists McInnes' squad is forging a team spirit that can help them reach their goals.
Difficult week after European exit
Rangers crashed out of the Europa League to Polish outfit Jagiellonia Bialystok before their penalty shoot-out defeat in the Czech Republic last week. Neil was hooked by his manager at half-time against Jablonec but played a key role in the Pittodrie win.
After seeing off the Dons thanks to Lawrence Shankland's spot kick, Neil said: "You've just got to use that as motivation. There's always another game in football, especially with the schedule we had, to react to it. We've got a great group that look out for each other.
"Listen, that comes with the pressure of playing for the club. Maybe personally and as a team, we haven't started the way we thought or the way we hoped we were going to start. But there is still a lot to play for this year. It's only three games into the league.
Togetherness key to recovery
"Coming out of Europe was massively disappointing. We all wanted to play in Europe. But it's important that we don't let that affect the other things we can compete in and try to win. You saw on Sunday the lads sticking together and fighting for each other. Yeah, it was a really difficult week. Probably a difficult few weeks, to be honest with you. But I think you're seeing a real togetherness now."
After failing to win either of their first two league games against Dundee United and Hibs, it was imperative for McInnes and Rangers to get off the mark in Aberdeen.
Testing run ahead
They face another difficult away trip to Falkirk on Wednesday night before Ibrox clashes against Motherwell, St Mirren and Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup, followed by an Old Firm league game at Parkhead.
Neil knows McInnes' side will have to fight for everything they get but he believes the players are now creating a bond that will be difficult to break.
The Englishman said: "I've obviously never been to Aberdeen but a lot of the lads were saying it's a really tough place to go and win. We got our heads around that, and I think the disappointment of Thursday spurred us on to be more together as a team and to fight. I think you're seeing that now.
"It probably wasn't the prettiest game on Sunday and there will certainly be games in the future where you see better football from us. But it was really important that we showed everybody out there that we are together as a team. There is unity there now and we are all going to fight for each other to get three points at tough places."
