Andy Walker: ‘Absolutely terrific’ Rangers will fear no-one in Europe, can take Celtic down to the wire
Rangers have been “absolutely terrific” in Europe and there are no negatives to still having continental commitments says Andy Walker.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side have dropped league points following big European matches twice in recent weeks, bringing their ability to overhaul Celtic at the top of the SPFL into question, with the Hoops already knocked out of the Europa Conference League.
But the former Bhoys striker sees no downside to still operating on multiple fronts and identifies it as the main area that Gers are outstripping their Glasgow rivals, with whom he expects the title race to go down to the wire.
He told Sky Sports News, via Football Scotland: “I think it’s always a good thing to be making your mark in Europe, I think that’s where Celtic have fallen down.
“Rangers will fear no-one, if you can take care of the likes of Borussia Dortmund.”
Back in Scotland, the ex-international predicts a tight battle right to the end of the season between either side of the Old Firm.
He added: “Of course it could [go down to the final day]. It could go to the very last kick of the ball.
“It can go either way. I think you’re looking at two really good teams.
“Rangers have shown they can be effective in Europe, their performances in the Europa League have been absolutely terrific.
“April will be be a really defining month. It’s going to be great to watch it all unfold.”
Good problem to have
The extra responsibility of the Europa League run can equally work as a positive or a negative.
The increased pressure and tiredness it causes could be a drain on the league run-in, but the momentum and mental belief could be a boon.
Either way it is a good problem to have, since as Manchester United fans will tell you, there is no benefit to the pressure being off at this stage of the season.
Poor results after the Dortmund matches pointed towards a hinderance on the league title defence.
But it could be argued that the manager’s strange lack of rotation in those games was as much to blame as anything.
Having shown a greater flexibility with his squad of late it could be that van Bronckhorst is adapting to both sets of demands.
The proof will ultimately be in the results though, and completing the last-16 assignment in Belgrade tomorrow, followed up by a couple of wins in the SPFL, and momentum will certainly be building at Ibrox.
In other Rangers news, one ex-Gers hero has shared the attention the club is generating across the continent.