Max Aarons says Rangers are determined to extend their domestic momentum in Europe, insisting the squad’s confidence and togetherness have shifted markedly in recent months as they prepare to face Porto at the Estádio do Dragão.
From the dressing-room perspective, form is the driving force.
“Coming into this game with eight wins in a row, we want to carry on and continue that despite the competition,” the on-loan Bournemouth defender said.
“If we win and we go into Sunday with another good feeling, we want to continue that and that’s the aim.”
Aarons views the Porto clash as a benchmark moment to assess how far Rangers have come from their lacklustre start in Europe this season.
“I think it’s a really good test for us against a team that’s top of their league, they look an experienced and a strong team,” he said.
“It’s a good test to see how far we’ve come as well because at the start of this competition, there were difficult moments.
“We’ve had good games and we’re confident at the moment.”
He also paid tribute to captain James Tavernier, who scored his 100th league goal for Rangers against Dundee at the weekend.
“As far as leaders in my career that I’ve played with, he’s one of the best,” Aarons said.
“He sets that example through how he plays and how he brings that every day in training as well.
“He’s been a big part in us turning around the form.”
Competition for places is intense, with the former Norwich defender battling for minutes with both Tavernier and Dujon Sterling, but Aarons sees this as healthy.
“It’s a difficult task when you’re up against players of that level and we want to push each other.
“Ultimately, the main thing is that the team’s doing well.”
Aarons believes Rangers are now in a better place mentally and structurally.
“It feels like more moments are going for us as opposed to going against us now,” he explained.
“That’s because we’re doing everything better, whether it’s set pieces or little details.”
The collective spirit is also evident off the pitch. “Definitely a huge togetherness,” he said.
“As a group, we’ve turned that around and we want to continue that.”
Personally, he feels his level is rising. “I feel in a really good rhythm, and I feel like I’m playing well,”
Aarons added. “But ultimately it’s about the team and getting the wins.”
On adapting to life at Rangers, he was clear: “It’s a challenge but as a player, that’s what you want in your career. It is a large fan base and a big club. It is different.”
Aarons has previously expressed his desire to stay at Ibrox permanently but InsideIbrox understand no move has been made on this front at the present moment.
He said: "Playing here long-term? Definitely. I’m loving it - and that goes hand in hand with better results and better form," following Rangers win over Kilmarnock in early December.