GERS BLOCK AROUND THE CLOCK

Kelly's penalty heroics cap epic effort by Barry's 10 men

- Ronnie Esplin

LIAM KELLY was the penalty save hero as 10-man Rangers fought furiously to hold Athletic Bilbao to a goalless draw in an absorbing Europa League quarter-final tie at Ibrox.

Barry Ferguson made the big call to drop under-fire keeper Jack Butland for the Scotland international who sensationally saved a 79th minute spot-kick from substitute Alex Berenguer.

However, long before that — in only the 13th minute — the former Gers captain watched defender Robin Propper sent off for a challenge on Inaki Williams, after originally being shown a yellow.

The home side valiantly held out against Ernesto Valverde’s side through 12 added minutes and have plenty to play for in the second leg in Spain next Thursday night — and Ferguson will be pleased with the attitude and application of his players.

Following the demoralising weekend defeat by Hibernian at Ibrox, former Gers captain Ferguson promised to make big changes with two enforced, as centre-back John Souttar and midfielder Mohamed Diomande were suspended.