Ryan Naderi believes Rangers are heading in the “right direction” after securing a 1-0 advantage over FK Jablonec on Thursday evening in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League Play-off.

The striker bundled home the only goal of the game five minutes into the second half. While he admitted Rangers were not at their best before the break, Naderi believes there were still plenty of positives to take from the performance.

“We’re here to qualify for European competition, so obviously the opponent is tough,” Naderi said.

“I agree that the first half wasn’t amazing, but I’m happy we kept a clean sheet. That was really important.

“We had opportunities to score one or two more goals, but in the end it’s about maintaining confidence. It’s our second win in a row, so we just need to keep going, stay focused, and I think that’s important.

“Not everything was horrible in the games before. It’s just that we’re managing to win games now.

“But we’re still progressing, and we still have to improve. I think we’re moving in the right direction.”

Naderi’s goal came early in the second half and, although he admitted it was not “the most spectacular” strike, he was delighted to make the difference.

“I’m just happy that I somehow put it over the line,” he said. “That’s what a striker has to do, and I’m happy to help the team.

“With Youssef [Chermiti] injured, we miss a unique type of player, but as a team we have to try to fill that gap. Obviously, someone has to score the goals.

“I’m fortunate to be the one getting on the end of things at the moment, but it’s up to the whole team to fill that gap.”

Rangers now have the weekend free from league action before travelling to the Liberec region next Thursday for the return leg.