Rangers boss Michael Beale has praised Servette striker Chris Bedia heading into a Champions League qualifier at Ibrox – but warned the Ivorian is not the Swiss side’s only threat.
The Gers boss was speaking ahead of the first leg of the Champions League QR3 clash between Rangers and Servette as the Ibrox side bid for a place in the competition proper.
With PSV Eindhoven dispatching Sturm Graz 4-1 in the first leg of the other qualifier Rangers know it will likely be the Eredivisie side they face if they reach the Playoff round.
But before then Rangers face a tough clash with resilient Swiss Super League outfit Servette, who overcame Belgian favourites KRC Genk in the last round to reach Champions League QR3.
Quizzed on the form of Ivorian striker Chris Bedia, who netted in Belgium and who has three goals in three games this season, Michael Beale warned that the hitman is not the only player Rangers are worrying about.
“Excellent on his left foot, quick, powerful,” said Beale.
“I watched both games with Genk and they showed a little bit of everything Servette and he (Chris Bedia) was at the forefront.
“He’s obviously lost his main partner for this game but they’ve got other players as well.
“I like the two centre midfielders (David Douline, Timothe Cognat), two very good players.
“The boy playing off the right (Alexis) Antunes is a good player, the boy off the left (Dereck Kutesa) is very direct in his dribbling.
“We know enough about Servette to be fully aware of what strengths they’ve got and he’s just one of a few good players in their squad.”
Servette suffer pre-Rangers injury crisis
Servette are facing something of an injury crisis heading into the match with Rangers, with eight of the club’s key players ruled out of the match due to problems.
First choice striker Enzo Crivelli was sent off v Genk and misses the first match due to suspension, whilst captain Jeremy Frick, Miroslav Stevanovic, Keigo Tsunemoto, Alexis Antunes, Alexander Lyng and Theo Magnin are all injuries.
Of these names, you’ll recognised that Alexis Antunes, who as referred to be Michael Beale in his press conference, will not play the first leg against Rangers.
Cameroon international Gael Ondoua has also not been granted a British travel visa and will also miss the match in Glasgow as Rangers welcome Servette to Ibrox.
