McLeish issues ‘monstrous’ Rangers verdict – ‘it’s agony’
Rangers’ players are feeling “monstrous” pressure ahead of two big games this week.
That’s according to former Rangers and Scotland boss Alex McLeish, speaking exclusively to Football Insider ahead of Thursday’s (14 April) clash against Braga.
Rangers welcome Braga to Ibrox tonight, looking to overturn last week’s 1-0 loss.
They then face an Old Firm clash against Celtic in the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup on Sunday (17 April).
Losses in both games could effectively mean Rangers have nothing to play for in the remainder of the season, as they sit six points behind league-leaders Celtic.
McLeish insists it will be “agony” for everyone at Rangers if they fail to win either game.
When asked about the pressure Rangers’ players will be feeling ahead of this big week, McLeish told Football Insider deputy editor Russell Edge, “It’s monstrous, because of the expectation.
“I was there for a few years and we went through times when we weren’t getting results, it was agony.
“You are lying in bed a night tossing and turning, wondering what you can do.
“Sometimes there isn’t a lot you can do when some of your best players are out injured.
“Rangers seem to tighten up a bit more in Europe so we’ll see what happens there.”
Tonight’s clash at Ibrox is the Light Blues’ first home European quarter-final for 14 years.
The Gers will be without talismanic striker Alfredo Morelos after he picked up a season-ending injury while on international duty earlier this month.
In other news, the Gers have offered Alex Lowry £5,000-a-week with new talks lined up.