Rangers ace James Tavernier has name-checked Malik Tillman as Michael Beale prepares to take on PSV Eindhoven.
The Gers got through a rather tense night on Tuesday, seeing off Servette in the Champions League qualifiers.
Dereck Kutesa’s goal drew Servette level on aggregate in the first half and Rangers didn’t exactly look like changing the game.
Captain Tavernier stepped up though, scoring just after half-time to give Rangers a 1-1 draw and a passage into the next round of qualifiers.
This wasn’t entirely convincing from Rangers across the two legs but the Gers are potentially just two games away from the Champions League group stage.
Of course, it had to be PSV Eindhoven again; Rangers beat the Dutch side to reach the group stage this time last year.
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Rangers must step it up against PSV – and the tie means coming up against Malik Tillman.
James Tavernier mentions Malik Tillman amid Rangers reunion
Tillman of course spent last season on loan at Rangers but the American has moved on this summer.
Bayern Munich rescinded Rangers’ purchase option but did allow the Gers a sell-on clause from any sale.
Tillman has now moved on, joining PSV on loan for the season with an option to buy.
The 21-year-old hit 12 goals in 43 games for Rangers last season but didn’t completely convince all Rangers fans.
Michael Beale will be well aware of Tillman’s threat though and Rangers will be trying to nullify him in this two-legged affair.
Tavernier has already name-checked Tillman, telling Rangers Review after last night’s result that he is sure the Gers will see a ‘familiar face’ in the American.
Tavernier indicated that Rangers will just focus on winning the game rather than anything about Tillman but he is one player the Gers know plenty about heading into two crucial games.
“You have got to wipe it completely clean,” said Tavernier. “It is obviously a different team, we are a different team.”
“I’m sure we’ll be seeing a familiar face in Malik when we get over there or he comes over but we will fully concentrate on ourselves. It is a massive game for us at Ibrox first leg and we have to put a real marker down and stand us in good stead for the second leg,” he added.