JOHN LUNDSTRAM is determined to repay any travelling Rangers fans by giving them something to cheer against Group A winners Lyon.

The Light Blues were beaten 2-0 by the Ligue 1 giants in their opening fixture in the section and now head to the Groupama Stadium knowing they will need to raise their levels to earn a positive result.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side could still be backed by an away crowd despite the farcical developments that saw a decision on an access ban reversed at just 24 hours notice.

And Lundstram knows Rangers will need every benefit they can get as they attempt to turn the tables on Lyon and make it five from five under Van Bronckhorst's guidance.

Lundstram said: “I think it’s massive they’ll be there, you know with the short notice and everything that’s been going on.

“There will still be a massive, massive crowd there I would imagine.

“They follow us everywhere through thick and thin so it’s a big one for us. Hopefully it will be an enjoyable one for them.

“We are under no illusions as to how good this Lyon team are. We saw that back at Ibrox a couple of months back.

“It was a tough night, I thought we performed quite well but couldn’t get the goals we wanted.

“They have some massive individual quality and we know it’s going to be a tough game."

Boss Van Bronckhorst has admitted that he will look to utilise his squad and give certain players some much-needed minutes against Lyon as he keeps one eye on the trip to Tynecastle this weekend.

Lundstram could well benefit from that decision and the Englishman is confident he can make the most of any chance to impress the new man in the dugout.

He said: "I think when you play in midfield you’ve always got a certain role to carry out. You’ve got to be able to pass the ball, you’ve got to be combative, you’ve got to want the ball and you’ve got to be energetic.

"I think most managers would demand that of their midfielders anyway. So there’s not been massive changes.

"The number six role is one that the boss likes to play with as well so there’s not massive differences. But we can see the little tweaks that the new managers has come in and made and it’s working.

"I think I have settled in quite well. Before the gaffer left I was settled in.

"It’s a great bunch of lads here and the city is a lovely city to live in. So I think I was settled in anyway but the new gaffer has come in and the lads have been doing magnificently well so I’ve been biding my time to get a chance and hopefully I can take it."

The Lyon clash is followed by a hugely significant run of Premiership fixtures that will culminate in the second Old Firm showdown of the campaign on January 2.

And the coming weeks will prove to be a test of the quality and the mentality of Van Bronckhorst's squad as the champions aim to consolidate their lead in the title race.

Lundstram said: "As everyone knows, the squad depth is massive and there’s quality throughout. There’s a couple of players for every position that could easily play in the first team.

"That only aids the club going forward. To win things you have to have strength in depth.

"Any injuries you have to have people to fill that void. So there’s massive competition but that only stands us in good stead.

"When you’re playing every three days it takes its toll. I’m sure you’ll see the full depth of the squad this month with the number of games we’ve got, but it definitely takes it out of you.

"It’s a bit mad but it’s something you’ve got to take in your stride."