In an interview with the Scottish Sun, former Rangers midfielder Neil Murray has sent a warning to the current crop of Gers stars, ahead of their tie with Midtjylland.
The Danish club are the opponents in the third round of Europa League Qualifying, with the away leg kicking things off on Thursday night.
So far, Rangers’ have moved relatively smoothly through the process. Gibraltarian side St Joseph’s were dispatched 10-0 on aggregate before Progres Niederkorn were defeated 2-0.
However, Murray thinks the players now need to guard against nerves and prepare for a step up in quality.
The 46-year-old, says nerves are heightened due to the knock-out nature of the football. “That is why it is so cut-throat and so nervy,” he told the Scottish Sun. “Players can get really jittery.”
“The away goals rule also adds to the pressure as one mistake can prove catastrophic. There is a lot of prestige and finance attached to reaching the group stages of Europe.”
Rangers players warned Midtjylland won’t lie down
As for the opponents, he’s convinced they’ll put up a lot of fight.
“Midtjylland will be difficult because they are a team who are not used to losing many games,” Murrary continued. “They have consistency and momentum on their side…They will be right up to speed and will be high on confidence. I always think going to places like Denmark or Sweden at this time of the season is tough.”
Assessments of the quality of Rangers’ opponents have varied considerably so far.
Peter Lovenkrands heralded them as a ‘very good side’ [Rangers.co.uk], before Stig Tofting dismissed their chances over two legs [Daily Record].
Murray’s point about nerves is certainly valid though, and while Rangers may have more quality on paper, anxiety could prove a real leveller.
Here’s our predicted XI for Thursday’s trip to Denmark.
