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Ryan Jack admits Rangers players have been NERVOUS in the league following their big European nights.

The Ibrox midfielder can’t work out why Steven Gerrard’s side can beat the likes of Feyenoord, FC Porto and Braga – then toil against Kilmarnock, St Johnstone and Hamilton.

But he’s praying they can lift themselves again for the visit of Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday night for the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.

Jack refuses to accept that there’s less pressure on Gerrard’s players when they play continental opposition.

He believes their displays in Europe prove that they have the right mentality.

But the Scotland star says nerves and sloppy mistakes have cost them domestically.

Jack said: “There’s always pressure at Rangers. Every time you go on the park, there’s expectation and demand.

“We have to live with that. It’s what we’re paid to do.

“Sometimes you overthink after games, wondering why certain things have happened.

“But we just have to stick together because I’m sure it will change.

(Image: HUGO DELGADO/EPA-EFE/REX)

“It’s frustrating to go from the Braga win to losing games domestically.

“The European success shows that our mindset is right, when everyone buys into the game plan and is on the same page. That’s when we produce.

“We can give that type of performance against Braga but then, in the next two games, we’ve switched off and made errors.

“We were nervous (against Hearts and Hamilton) and I don’t know why.

“But we just have to work hard and change it.”

There’s a theory that this current Rangers side play better when teams open up against them, like Celtic in the league and Europa League outfits.

But Jack is adamant that regardless of the style of opposition, Gerrard’s men have to deal with what’s in front of them.

He can’t wait to tackle the Bundesliga side in midweek with a coveted quarter-final spot up for grabs.

And despite the frustration of the Gers supporters, he’s confident fans will get behind them when the Germans come to town.

Jack said: “This is a great draw against a massive club.

“It will be two tough games but we need to look forward to them.

“Do we prefer playing against European teams who come at us? I don’t mind how teams play against us.

(Image: SNS Group)

“All teams have different styles, formations and personnel. At Rangers though, it’s about what we do and how we play.

“If we stick to our levels and best performances, then we’ll win most games. We’ve dropped below that so it’s important we get back to it.

“We are in the last 16 of the Europa League on merit because of how we’ve played since the start of the qualifiers.

“Now we want to give a good account of ourselves against Leverkusen.

“We know the fans are unhappy and are hurting. The players are the same.

“We need them to stick with us and I’m sure they will.

“It’s important that we step up now and start producing performances on the pitch.

“Our home record in Europe gives us confidence but we’re playing against top-class opposition.

“So we know how difficult it will be but it’s a chance to get a positive result.”