Scottish football icon Kenny Dalglish believes Gio van Bronckhorst has "moved things forward" after replacing Steven Gerrard.
The Ibrox side are jubilant after their 3-1 win over Leipzig booked their place in the Europa League Final in Seville.
Now only Eintracht Frankfurt stand between Rangers and a historic achievement when they lock horns on May 18.
Dalglish believes the Dutchman has improved the current Light Blues team despite Celtic on the verge of Premiership title glory.
Gerrard secured an unbeaten league season but the Liverpool icon insists there's mitigating circumstances since Van Bronckhorst took the reins in November.
Dalglish, speaking in the Sunday Post, said: "Surely nobody can now dispute that Giovanni van Bronckhorst has taken on the role of Rangers manager from Steven Gerrard and moved things forward.
"Sure, he has lost a six-point lead to Celtic in the Premiership, and with it – barring a miracle for his club – the title.
"But you have to remember the Dutchman inherited the squad in November, and he had to be patient.
"He knew he couldn’t rip up what Steven had built because it had been successful last season.
"Giovanni had to take his time, assess things, and then make changes as he saw fit. But they were subtle changes. A hammer wasn’t required.
"And now he has taken them all the way to a major European final.
"For his team to score three goals in the semi-final against RB Leipzig when they had no centre-forward on the pitch was quite incredible.
"With both Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe injured, Giovanni had to improvise, and come up with a plan.
"His creative juices have been flowing right through an impressive European campaign this year.
"He has moved John Lundstram into a central defensive role, and he has also gone to a back three at half-time to see off Borussia Dortmund at Ibrox.
"On Thursday, he had Scott Wright as the central striker, and played really well.
"Others, such as Fashion Sakala, Joe Aribo and Scott Arfield, have also been used there as the options were limited.
"So Giovanni and his staff deserve enormous credit. They have clearly worked on different plans and tactical situations, and it has paid off."
