The beginning of the their Europa League campaign began on a disappointing note for the Gers as they were defeated 2-0 by the Ligue 1 side in midweek.
Having won their Europa League group last season, Rangers will now have to mount a significant comeback to achieve the same feat this time out.
Craigan believes that the defeat to Lyon should serve as a lesson to Rangers as to what it will take for them to reach the Champions League as he thinks the French side are of a calibre where they would be comfortable in the competition.
The former Scottish Premiership defender advised Rangers to not let the disappointment of the defeat weigh over their heads and to instead use it as a guide to do better in the coming weeks.
“What Thursday night’s 2-0 Europa League defeat to Lyon highlighted for Rangers is that the step up to the next level in European football is going to be a considerable ask for the club and current players”, Craigan wrote in his Belfast Telegraph column.
“Lyon, in all honesty, wouldn’t look out of place in the Champions League and I’ve no doubt they will be back there next season with the quality they have at their disposal.
“Rangers have aspirations to be back competing in the top tier of European football but Lyon was an eye-opener and a reality check of what’s required.
“However, rather than feeling sorry for themselves, they have to use the disappointment as motivation to get better in every aspect.”
Rangers failed in their quest to reach the Champions League group stage and will now have to work hard at getting out of their Europa League group, but they will be looking to set things right when they take on Sparta Prague at the end of the month.
