Rangers news: Pundit issues ‘massive’ verdict and tells Dortmund to beware Ibrox atmosphere
Noel Whelan has claimed the Rangers players will be looking to “raise their game” in order to “spoil the party” against Borussia Dortmund.
The former Aberdeen striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Europa League game is the “perfect opportunity” for the Ibrox club to “test themselves against the best”.
The Gers face Dortmund at the Westfalenstadion tomorrow (17 February) in the first leg of their Europa League play-off tie.
As quoted by Sky Sports (16 February), Gers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst said “everyone is excited” about tomorrow’s game.
He insisted his side will “go out and try to make it to the next round”.
Whelan hinted the tie could be beneficial for Rangers’ pursuit of Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.
“When you are in these European competitions, you know that no game is going to be easy,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“These are games that you will look forward to as a player.
“As much as they might fear certain players in the side, there’s also that massive competitive edge within a player. They will want to raise their game to that level.
“These Rangers players will be well up for it and looking to spoil the party, I am sure. It will not be easy for Dortmund, it’ll be a very loud Ibrox for the second leg.
“It’s the perfect opportunity to test themselves against the best and take those levels into the league games.”
Rangers qualified for the playoff after finishing second in the Europa League’s Group A.
Dortmund dropped out of the Champions League with a third-placed finish last year.
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