Good News to Rangers FEM:He is Back in…
Rangers are preparing to welcome La Liga outfit Athletic Bilbao to Ibrox in the Europa League Quarter Final.
Jack Butland was the Rangers hero in a famous penalty kicks victory over Fenerbahce which guided the club to the competition’s last eight with a huge test to come in the shape of the Spaniards.
Rangers’ record v Spanish teams is abysmal and the club will need to re-write history with victory over Athletic.
Jose Mourinho would be surprised if Rangers got past Athletic, who are the hosts of this season’s Europa League Final in May.
But with Rangers hoping to make the trip to the Estadio de San Mames twice this season, the club will have to take full advantage of the first leg at Ibrox.
Rangers will need all hands on deck if they’re to progress against Spanish football’s fourth-place club but they’ll have to welcome Athletic to Ibrox without one key player.
John Souttar gives his thoughts on ‘killer’ Athletic ban
John Souttar has been a monumental figure for Rangers when he’s been fit this season.
It’s no exaggeration to say that had the Scotland international, 28, not been injured against Tottenham Hotspur at Ibrox in December, then Philippe Clement might still be in a job.
Souttar has hailed the impact of Barry Ferguson and the big defender was crucial to Rangers getting the job done against Fenerbahce in both legs.
With Rangers switching to a back-three in these games under Ferguson, Souttar really suits his position in the middle with the centre-back’s aggression, aerial quality and ability on the ball making him a stand-out.
But after picking up a yellow card in the second leg victory over Fenerbahce, Souttar will not be available for Rangers in the first leg against Athletic.
Speaking after Rangers’ 3-2 Old Firm victory over Celtic, Souttar admits the situation is a ‘killer’ but acknowledges it’s better than a failure to progress.
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