Steven Gerrard has declared Lyon the strongest side he’s faced as a manager, after elevating the French cracks above the likes of Leverkusen, Praha, Benfica and Porto.

The manager, speaking at his pre-Thursday presser, admitted that as a group this is the biggest test his side have faced since he arrived in 2018, and tellingly suggested Lyon are a CL-level team, which in fairness they are.

Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, they are managed, of course, by ex-Leverkusen boss Frank Bosz, who plotted a very easy win over Rangers last year, albeit it could be argued Steven Gerrard’s side afforded the Germans too much respect.

Nevetheless, Lyon, despite a slightly slow start, come to Ibrox with a full compliment of players, minus Dembele, and will be keen to get their spluttering season to smoothly oil itself.

And the manager is keenly aware of how stiff a test this is going to be. Lyon are absolutely one of France’s best teams, and the quality of their squad is clearly world class. Leverkusen were certainly a top, top side, but Stevie is of the thought Lyon are a class above even them.

There are of course other brutally-strong sides Rangers have faced since SG arrived, namely the four mentioned with Braga, Feyenoord and Villarreal in there too.

But Lyon represents the strongest side yet, with world class players throughout.

This is certainly going to be a test.