Rangers have been placed in Group A of the Europa League that also consists of Ligue 1 giants Lyon, last season’s nemesis Sparta Prague and Swedish outfit Brondby.
The Scottish champions will open their European campaign on Thursday night when Lyon visit Ibrox in a big European night under the lights.
Craigan insisted that Rangers have only been looking better as the games have gone on this season but admitted that facing Lyon will be a massive step-up in terms of the quality of opponents.
He conceded that this is one game where Rangers will want their top players to put on their best performance and step up for the team given the quality Lyon have in their ranks.
Craigan said on the Go Radio Football Show: “It’s a step up in levels, isn’t it?
“Rangers have been progressing as the games have gone on recently, but this will be a big step up for them.
“If there is one game they want to bounce back, where you want your top players to really hit top gear, then this is the one to do it.
“They are going to be a tough challenge, it will be an exciting night and Ibrox will be packed.
“No doubts, the Rangers players will want to put on a big performance.”
Rangers impressed many in Europe last season and made it to the last 16 of the Europa League.
