Steven Gerrard has said he was impressed by his Rangers debutants as they helped their new side to a 1-0 win over Osijek in Croatia.

The manager opted to make changes from last week's match against Shkupi, starting new signings Ryan Kent and Lassana Coulibaly in the Europa League qualifier despite their lack of pre-season action.

Gerrard felt both gave a good account of themselves in a tough fixture and highlighted Kent's ability to take responsibility and allow others a breather.

He said: "I think if you take into consideration where they are in terms of fitness...

"Ryan has played two 45 minutes in friendly matches. So to go and put 90 minutes in in a European game, away, and against a very difficult opponent, I'm very pleased with his debut.

"He'll get better and better with fitness and games and sharpness. I think it was a very positive debut.

"He did what I expected him to do and he gives his teammates time to breathe and fill their lungs because he travels with the ball very well.

"Lassana, I thought the same. That's his first game of the season. He's had no friendly matches, no games behind closed doors. That was his first match of pre-season, his first game, and I thought he was outstanding".

A first half goal from Alfredo Morelos gave Rangers an advantage to take back to Ibrox but the side had to soak up pressure from an Osijek side that have been strong at home in recent years.

Gerrard was pleased with the result, and a third consecutive clean sheet but stressed the job of reaching the next round was far from complete.

"We have nothing to celebrate, nothing to get carried away with," he said. "So far, we're happy.

"Now we've got to back tonight's performance up with another strong performance.

"There were some very strong defensive performances and I was happy with the shape and how tough we made it to get through us. Of course at times it could have been prettier in possession but we came here with a game plan not to conceded a goal and to try and get an important away goal."