RANGERS know all too well that momentum is difficult to earn but easy to lose.

The last week has shown just how fickle some supporters can be and how quickly the perception of a side and a campaign can change in the eyes of some.

In the aftermath of the win over Lincoln Red Imps, and on the back of a record-breaking clean sheet run in the league, there was widespread enthusiasm and positivity heading into the Premiership clash with Hibernian at Easter Road.

A score draw and two dropped points later and Gerrard and his players found themselves under the microscope once again.

The criticism that followed was deserved in many regards. A defence that hadn't been breached until then was fragile and unconvincing, while an attack that should have more goals to its credit this term discovered the cost of a profligate afternoon.

As Gerrard took his side to Tilburg this week, there would have been a nervousness amongst the support over what Rangers would turn up.

Thankfully for Gerrard, it was an improved one. The line-up - goalkeeper Allan McGregor aside - may have been the same as at the weekend, but the result was very different.

The 4-0 win - earned thanks to goals from James Tavernier, Ryan Kent, Filip Helander and Connor Goldson - may have flattered Rangers somewhat but there was no doubting that they deserved to progress to the Europa League play-off round and a meeting with Galatasaray at Ibrox.

Had McGregor not pulled off a string of superb saves, the match would have taken a very different path and the result could have been more damaging than rewarding for Gerrard. In the end, it was undoubtedly a lift to the mood, though.

Rangers now face Motherwell with their confidence restored and a feelgood factor coursing its way through the support once again. And midfielder Scott Arfield knows Gerrard's side must capitalise to avoid another costly slip-up in the Premiership title race.

“It was a fantastic scoreline against a very good team,” Arfield said of the third qualifying round victory on Thursday. “It gives us a bit of momentum and we have to take that into Sunday now.

“First and foremost we have to give Greegsy a massive amount of credit. Time and time again he has bailed us out in massive situations.

“He made some amazing saves at vital parts of the game and that made a big difference. It is so reassuring to have him at the back of you.

“At the other end we took our chances and that is what we put most emphasis on after Sunday at Hibs. Our finishing was clinical and made it a little bit easier for ourselves.”

Arfield would hold his hands up in the immediate aftermath of the draw with Hibernian. He had scored what should have been the winning goal as Rangers came from behind to lead but a late miss – or a terrific double save from keeper Ofir Marciano – would prove costly as the hosts snatched a share of the spoils.

The frustration at an away record that leaves Rangers with only four wins on the road domestically this year is heightened when Gerrard’s side operate as efficiently in European competition and there are lessons to be learned from the way that Willem were overcome.

“If you can be ruthless in the final third it makes the game easier,” Arfield said.

“The higher you go and the more you want to be successful you need to take chances. They don’t come around as often as you would like.

“A 4-0 victory away from home stands us in good stead for Sunday and hopefully we can keep that ruthlessness going.

“Of course we need to get that [win] percentage rate up. If you want to be successful you need to win away from home. We never managed to do that last Sunday but we have another chance this weekend.

“We know it is going to be a tough test. Motherwell always make it difficult for teams.

“They have not had the best of starts but I think they are in a false position and they should not be taken lightly.”

The challenge of handling Europa League action and Premiership fixtures in a short space of time is nothing new to Gerrard and his players and they can ill-afford to drop further points in Lanarkshire.

Rangers stayed in Holland before flying back on Friday to continue their preparations. While the Galatasaray showdown is one to look forward to, all sights are set on the Steelmen.

Arfield said: “I’m not sure why we stayed on this time, but it does allow you to get a better night’s sleep back at the hotel. You can get some food in you and have a recovery session in the morning.

“I can’t speak on behalf of them, but it is a quick turnaround and the games are coming thick and fast.

“We have had experience of Thursday/Sunday games for the last two years and we want to keep that going after next week.”