Gerrard compares Lafferty to McCoist

Kyle Lafferty was in fact breaking his European duck in Spain, as his measured 76th minute finish secured Rangers a point against Villareal, but this was far from the striker's first ever important goal, as his impressive record of 20 international goals confirms .

Rangers struggled at times in Spain, but showed an impressive spirit and togetherness to secure a point, thanks in no small part to Lafferty, and Gerrard was quick to heap praise on the striker, who he sees as a man for the big occasion:  

''I know you say it's the first goal for him at this level but he's scored many international goals,'' Gerrard told the 'Daily Mail' after the game.

''It's not a surprise to me, it's the reason I played him, it's the reason I bought him. I know he likes the big stage, I know he's capable of scoring big goals.

''Before we signed him he scored an important goal against Celtic. It doesn't matter who he's playing against, the standard of the team, he believes in himself, he backs himself.

''Sometimes away from home in Europe when you're playing up on your own it can be a thankless task and you can give in and get frustrated.

'I'm no expert on being a No 9, there's one at the back (McCoist) he will tell you, but he kept it low and used the pace to guide it in. It was a fantastic finish and one that our man at the back will be very proud of.''