Celtic legend Henrik Larsson’s Swedish namesake Sam is convinced that Filip Helander will make a big impression at Ibrox – but the Feyenoord winger is hoping he doesn’t begin doing it on Thursday.
The former Bologna stopper joined Rangers for £3m in the summer [RangersTV] but so far has been unable to shift defensive stalwarts Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic.
But Helander’s Swedish international teammate Larsson believes the defender is too good for that to remain the case for much longer.
“He has that Swedish mentality and I have no doubt he will be a great signing. He’s strong, quick and is a great defender,” said Sam Larsson, as quoted by the Daily Record.
“I know it won’t be long until he makes a big impression in Scotland.
“Filip has been my friend for years now. We have played for Sweden and also for the Under-21s so I know him very well.
“I’ve deliberately not spoken to him about this game – I’ll wait until we get to Glasgow to do that.”
The defender has eight caps for Sweden, and given Rangers not inconsiderable outlay on the player, it suggests the club think very highly of Helander indeed.
So far Filip Helander, 26, has only played twice for Rangers – against East Fife in the league cup and away to St. Mirren in the Scottish Premiership.
If he gets the chance to play against Feyenoord – which we predict he just might – then it’d be a considerable step-up in opposition.
But could it be the match that Sam Larsson’s comments about the stopper come to fruition?
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