'Not many can stop me in the box,' warns Rangers defender Fernandez ahead of Europa League challenge

Rangers defender Manny Fernandez has branded himself almost unstoppable as a set-piece goal threat as he prepares for a first outing in Europe against Braga on Thursday night.

The 6ft 6in tall 24-year-old was handed just his third start in the 2-1 win over Livingston at Ibrox, following injuries to John Souttar and Derek Cornelius, and scored early on with a powerful header from James Tavernier’s corner.

Despite being at fault for Tete Yengi’s leveller, ex-Peterborough player Fernandez was happy with his overall performance and told head coach Danny Rohl he’s ready to make the leap into Europa League action.

With Rangers having a new set-piece coach in Scott Fry, he believes it’s the perfect time to show he can be a danger at one end of the pitch while trying to prove he’s a reliable presence at the other.

‘I don’t think there’s many people that can stop me in the box and I feel like, when the ball and the delivery is right, I’m probably going to get first contact the majority of the time,’ said Fernandez.

‘If I play (against Braga), I couldn’t be more grateful. It will be my first European game and I can’t wait to put my stamp on the game and show what I can do.’

Asked about Fry’s early involvement, Fernandez replied: ‘There’s a lot of variations. I’ll be honest, Scott is something different and he brings a lot of energy. I enjoy it.

‘He’s very understanding of what he wants us to do, especially defensively as well. I feel against Livingston, defensively, we were very solid. I don’t think they really had any chances from set-pieces.

‘We’ve just got to keep going like that - stay solid at the back, as well as score goals from attacking set-pieces.’

Fernandez won a number of headers in his own area over the course of Saturday’s victory.

‘A man of my size, I should be dealing with stuff like that,’ he said. ‘They’re moments that teams can score from, so we’ve got to stay compact, stay together and make sure we clear the box every single time the ball comes in.

‘I have confidence in myself and belief in myself to be better and play well. There’s been a lot of competition recently. (Souttar and Cornelius) are very good international players, but if I am playing Thursday I’ve got to take my opportunity and grab it with my hands.’

Despite limited first-team chances since his £3million move, Fernandez has no regrets over signing up at Ibrox.

‘No, never. In football, you’re always put in uncomfortable situations and it’s how you get through them. There’s not many clubs you’ll go to, especially when stepping up a level, where you’re going to play straight away. You have to wait your turn.

‘You can feel the pressure here, but, honestly, if you want to be a top-level footballer, you have to understand that pressure is always going to be there. If you’re successful here, you’re going to have a great career, aren’t you?’