DEREK CORNELIUS says he is relishing the chance to make his European debut for Rangers tomorrow night.
The Canadian international defender made his first Light Blues start in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Hibernian in the Premier Sports Cup.
Now he is gearing up to take on Belgian side Genk and he can’t wait to sample the Euro atmosphere at Ibrox.
Speaking to the media, he said: “I have had a few crazy weeks, but I am enjoying it. I have had a good welcome from the group and I am happy.
“This is my first European game, so it is something to look forward to and hopefully it is a memorable one.
“I have heard a lot of good things about European games here and I am looking forward to getting going.
“Games like this was one of the reasons I came here. The club is special, there is a lot of history here and games like these are when memories are made and I am focused for tomorrow.
“Clubs like Rangers there is an expectation to win and the pressure we are getting from outside, I view it as a privilege and a challenge to help the situation.
“From speaking to people, they want to see a team who will give their all performance wise and that’s what you can expect from us tomorrow.
“The result will take care of itself but from our perspective we have to do everything we can to win, especially at home.
“The supporters can be our biggest strength but also an obstacle to overcome. When they get behind us it can be a 12th man on the pitch, but that comes down to us as they feed off our performance.
“This game is no different, if we push they will get behind us and be the difference in the match.”
The defender is on loan from French side Marseille and has plenty of experience in club andinternational football.
Cornelius says he is happy to pass on his guidance to younger members of Russell Martin’s squad, but saying winning is all that matters.
He added: “At clubs like Marseille, it is like Rangers, they have fans who live and die for the club.
“I knew what I was getting into and ultimately if you focus too much on that, it won’t help your performance, I try to be the best I can every day and to help the club win games.
“I try to be as professional as I can and if a younger player sees that as a solution to difficult moments, then I am glad I am a positive example.
“I am pretty new here and learning things, but if I can help in any way then I am happy to do so.
“My goal is to help the team and help us perform better. I have my job to do and a role to play and that’s winning games for Rangers.”
It’s the first outing of the competition of the season for Russell Martin’s men, as they look to make a strong start and build on their weekend’s success under the lights of the iconic stadium.
Tomorrow’s men’s first-team feature comes from Bojan Miovski, as he speaks of his hopes for the campaign having got a taste of European football with his previous clubs Aberdeen and Girona, whilst he chats on settling into life back in the country and wearing the number 28 for the Gers.
We will have our match fast facts and opposition focus on our Belgium visitors, whilst captain James Tavernier is next to take on our A-Z quickfire questions.
Former forward Kane Hemmings is next up in our ‘Where Are They Now?’ feature, as he reflects on his career now with English side Barrow and his master’s degree in sporting directorship, whilst we look ahead to this year’s Big Ibrox Sleep Out taking place in mid-November.
All of this, and so much more, will be on hand for supporters to enjoy, and programmes are available to buy pre-match at Ibrox or online HERE.
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