MICHAEL BEALE wants his players to rise to the occasion and grasp their opportunity when they take on PSV tomorrow night in the Philips Stadion.
With a place in the UEFA Champions League group stage at stake following last week’s 2-2 first-leg draw at Ibrox, the Light Blues can expect a red-hot atmosphere in the 35,119-capacity arena and a tough test against Peter Bosz’s Eredivisie side.
Beale, however, has urged his squad to seize the moment and give everything to get the victory they desperately want from the competition’s play-off round second leg.
Speaking at PSV’s stadium this evening for his pre-match press conference, the manager – who confirmed that Kieran Dowell is unavailable due to a knee injury - said: “It's a hugely exciting week if you are a Rangers player or you are a Rangers follower. I'm no different as the coach.
“The two games we have got coming up in the next four or five days is what it is all about playing for this club. If you can't enjoy it and you can't seize the opportunity that is front of you, then you probably don't deserve to be at our club.
“This is a huge moment and it is important that we give this game everything. It's a final if you like.
“The only [player] that is missing is Kieran Dowell, who has still got this slight problem with his knee. It's not a big problem, this game is just too soon for him.
“The team selection won’t be too far from last week, there won’t be too many surprises. Across our squad we do have a variety of options in the final third and we need to be better with the ball this week.
“I think we created chances regardless last week at Ibrox from the small amount of possession that we had compared to normal, but going away in Europe you know you are going to need to be strong defensively first and then you have to take your opportunities when they come.
“I believe this is the game where both teams will have opportunities and it is the team that is the most decisive that will go through.
"It would be huge [if Rangers could win] and it would be huge for the club and the fans, and also the players who are desperate to play in this competition again.
"Naturally for me and the staff, that is the aim and the aim coming into pre-season. We have a huge test in front of us to see that be a reality.
"Their crowd will be behind them just like ours were at Ibrox, now that can mean one or two things.
“I felt last week at times we were a little bit emotional in the game, so it can unnerve you as much as it can be a big help.
“The coaches have changed for both teams [from last season] and there weren’t many players last week who were involved in those games, but I'm sure everyone is aware of what happened and the motivation for this game is equal to last year.
“I don’t see it being any bigger on both sides. I think there has been a lot read into that but the group of players going out there, the prize of getting to the Champions League is enough.
“PSV will be confident, they are in their home stadium and the first game was a draw. We know that we need to perform I feel better tomorrow than we did last week if we want to go through. This team is due a big performance, so the opportunity for us is clear."
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