Rangers boss Steven Gerrard says he’s looking forward to seeing Bongani Zungu in action in his first-ever Europa League start on Thursday evening against Lech Poznan [RangersTV].
The Gers manager has confirmed that because progression to the Round of 32 has already been secured, he will make several changes to the side that defeated Ross County 4-0 on Sunday.
However, with top spot in the group still at stake, there won’t be wholesale changes.
One man who is set to benefit from the rotation is Zungu, who signed on an initial loan deal from Amiens in October.
The 28-year-old South Africa international has played in big tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations as well as in the top divisions in France and Portugal.
Yet, he’d never featured in a European club competition prior to moving to Ibrox. He made his Europa League debut as a late substitute in the 3-2 win over Standard Liege last week and now he’s hours away from his maiden start.
“I gave one of my team selections away for tomorrow by Bongani sitting next to me,” said Gerrard during Wednesday’s press conference [RangersTV]. “I’m really looking forward to him playing from the beginning.”
“I think it’s a fantastic opportunity for him.”
“We see this as a big game, an important game, and it’s a game we’re looking forward to.”
Zungu has had a stop-start opening two months at Rangers, with his only previous start coming at Falkirk in the League Cup.
He now has a chance to show what he can do on the big stage, though, and if he can help the Gers to top finish top of Group D, a maiden Premiership start will likely soon follow.
Zungu may not be the only Ger set to make his first Europa League start in Poland, as another summer signing looks set to shake off a knock in time for the game.
