GIOVANNI Van Bronckhorst insists that the Rangers squad will ‘relish the challenge’ in their Europa League game against Borussia Dortmund on Thursday evening.
The Light Blues travel to Germany to face Marco Rose’s side at Westfalenstadion in the knockout stage play-off round of the tournament, and the Gers boss recognises the tough challenges that will be presented.
Speaking to the press ahead of the match, he said: “We’re playing against one of the top sides in Europe, when you’re still involved in Europe after the winter break, you’re going to play against very good opposition.
“We are relishing the challenge to play against a top side, we’ll go out and try to get to the next round. For us, it’s a challenge but it’s still good to be involved in Europe.
“We have analysed Dortmund very well; they are still a quality side with good players and coach. It’s a game that we want to play and relish.”
The Rangers boss gave an update on players returning from injury and their availability for the upcoming European tie.
He continued: “Filip [Helander] is not in our squad, to put Helander out was a difficult decision because he is a very important player still for us, but he only played the first 60 minutes at the weekend after so many months.
“Leon [Balogun] is not available for tomorrow but hopefully he’ll be available for next week. Ryan [Jack] trained as normal the last couple of days, he is fit to come with us to Germany.”
Van Bronckhorst expressed his excitement to reunite with Gio Reyna on Thursday night after spending time with the youngster during his period at Feyenoord Academy.
He added: “I played with his father Claudio [Reyna] and I’m very good friends with the family for many years.
“I’ve known Gio from the day he was born, I have a special relationship with him as a friend but also as a player because he came to Holland to train with our youth Academy at Feyenoord.
“We’ve always kept in contact and it’s a special bond I have with the family, hopefully, it’s a good game.”
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