Fernandez: No European football could boost Rangers' quest for domestic titles

Key points

• Emmanuel Fernandez says Rangers' early European exit could help them domestically because fewer games mean fewer injuries and more preparation time.
• Rangers have won seven straight matches and sit second in the Scottish Premiership, with a League Cup semi-final against Aberdeen at Hampden.
• Rangers can go top with a win at Dundee on Saturday, while Celtic face Benfica and Hearts host Nordsjaelland in Europe on Thursday.

Emmanuel Fernandez believes Rangers' early exit from European competition could benefit the club in its pursuit of domestic titles. The Ibrox side were knocked out of the Europa League and Conference League qualifiers early in the season as new boss Derek McInnes tried to build a new squad.

Since then, Rangers have won seven consecutive matches and sit second in the Scottish Premiership. They are also in the League Cup semi-final, where they will play Aberdeen at Hampden.

Advantage of a free week

While league leaders Celtic play Benfica in the Europa League in Lisbon and third-place Hearts host Nordsjaelland in the Conference League on Thursday, Rangers have had a free week to prepare for Saturday night's trip to Dundee, live on Sky Sports. A win could take Rangers back to the top of the table, though Celtic can reclaim first place on Sunday when Hearts visit Parkhead, also live on Sky Sports.

Asked if the lack of European football might help domestically, the 25-year-old centre-back told Sky Sports News: "100 per cent, because less games ultimately means less injuries and more time to be ready for the weekend, I guess." He added that the squad can grow closer and understand each other more, noting that many new signings arrived during the summer.

100 per cent, because less games ultimately means less injuries and more time to be ready for the weekend, I guess.

— Emmanuel Fernandez

Fernandez on form and partnership

Fernandez, who joined Rangers from Peterborough last July, admitted his start to the season was "shaky" but said he is getting back into his groove. He praised his centre-back partner Olwethu Makhanya, the 22-year-old South African who signed from MLS side Philadelphia Union in the summer and won the Scottish Premiership player of the month award for September.

The Nigeria international said he was annoyed that Rangers conceded a late goal in their 3-1 win against Kilmarnock at Ibrox on Saturday, which prevented a sixth clean sheet in seven games. He said the team still believes it can improve and aims to concede the fewest goals in the league.