FILIP HELANDER can’t wait to walk out at Ibrox tomorrow and face the massive challenge of Galatasaray.
Helander, who in the Scottish Premiership has won both the most tackles and the most headers so far this season knows the Light Blues will need to be at their best in order to make it to the Group Stages for the third season in a row.
Speaking at this morning’s press conference, the Sweden international defender explained: "We are all really looking forward to this game. It is going to be a fantastic game even though there are no fans, but we will make the best of it.
"It is always nice to play against top players.
"[Qualification] is something we are all striving to achieve. The Europa League was a good experience last year, and we hope to do that again this year.
"You always take experience with you from what you have done before - I think we had a great run last year in the Europa League.
"When you play in the European games, in general, you play against better opponents. So we have to be very careful in how we are defending.
"Galatasaray have very good, experienced players who are very good offensively. It is important for us as defenders to not make mistakes and have a good game.
"We will try to manage it as we do any game. When the opponents are better, the margins for error are always smaller - you may need to be extra careful and handle the game-plan even better.
"But for preparations, it is the same - it's 90 minutes whoever you are playing against."
Helander agreed with boss Steven Gerrard’s assessment of Galatasaray being favourites – though he was keen to still talk up Rangers’ chances of progression.
"I can agree we are underdogs,” Helander added, “Galatasaray historically have been in Europe a lot - they are a great team.
"But I think we have a good chance - we have been playing in Europe in the last two years and we know what it is about.
"So it will be definitely an interesting test for us."
Watch Rangers Galatasaray Exclusively On RTV
Joining Emma Dodds at Ibrox will be fans’ favourite Neil McCann, and alongside him, making his RangersTV debut, will be the club’s record goalscorer, Ally McCoist.
And that’s not all – RangersTV are thrilled to be welcoming Britain’s leading sports pundit and former Rangers and Galatasaray manager Graeme Souness back to Ibrox on Thursday night to provide expert analysis.
The former Scotland captain will be joined by the one and only Walter Smith who will continue as an RTV pundit, and will bring back memories of some famous European nights at Ibrox.
Once the pre-match discussion ends, the returning Clive Tyldesley will describe every kick of the ball with Rangers legend, Ally McCoist at his side.
It’s a top-class panel of guests for a game of huge significance between two of the biggest names in European football.
Last Thursday, Rangers fans backed the team in unprecedented numbers for the RTV coverage of our game v Willem II. The Rangers first-team are well aware of the incredible numbers in which you backed them from home, and they are desperate to deliver for you again this week.
Season ticket holders can purchase the game for a discounted rate of £9.99 while non-season ticket holders can buy for £14.99 (Season ticket holders will receive an email with a dedicated link to purchase the match at a discounted rate).
As a reward for your continued loyalty during this challenging period for us all, we will add 5 MyGers points to all supporters who purchase this match.
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