BARRY MUST FACE UP TO REALITY NOW

WHEN the narrative turns negative, it's the end of the story. Out of Europe and still to win a home game at Ibrox after four attempts.

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This is how the narrative concerning Barry Ferguson's time at Rangers flips on its head after losing to Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League quarterfinals on Thursday night.

The dream of winning a European trophy has given way to the reality of the interim gaffer's situation at its most basic level.

There can be no more making a virtue out of consistently going two goals behind - seven times in 10 matches to be exact.

No more pretence that being a "Rangers man" is a guarantee all will be well.

The remainder of Gers' season has been rendered meaningless because of the exit from Europe.

Dwelling on penalties not given in Bilbao is simply a default setting while reluctantly coming to terms with that fact.