Ally McCoist fears Rangers slip up in ‘most intimidating place I’ve ever been’
Ally McCoist is wary of a Rangers slip up in the Europa League as he warned “that tie’s not over” ahead of the return leg in Belgrade.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst takes his side to the Rajko Mitic Stadium to face Red Star tonight (Thursday 17 March), holding a 3-0 first-leg advantage in the last-16 tie.
But Gers legend McCoist still believes there is plenty to guard against despite the impressive showing at Ibrox last week, as the team has to perform in “the most intimidating place” the pundit has ever been.
Speaking on talkSPORT this morning (9.15am) the Scottish ex-striker said: “I’m going to be 100% honest with you, I’ve said it already, that ain’t over. That tie’s not over.
“It [was] an unbelievable result at home, a fantastic result.
“It’s [Rajko Mitic] the most intimidating place I’ve ever been, honest to God, as a footballer – coach or player.”
Fellow pundit Trevor Sinclair agreed: “There’s still plenty of jeopardy there.”
However, McCoist did admit: “But you’d have to say, if somebody offered you a 3-0 home victory in the first leg you’d absolutely bite your hand off.”
Destiny?
Much has been made of the fearsome atmosphere that is generated by the fans in Belgrade.
The Gers players have consistently performed in the knockout games in the competition and they will have to do so again.
It would be far too easy to assume that the job is already done with such a commanding lead, especially since the more illustrious opposition of Borussia Dortmund were dispatched relatively comfortably.
But the scoreline at Ibrox last week belies the marginal nature of so many key moments in that game.
The three times the visitors found the Gers net they were correctly ruled narrowly offside, but it proved that the Serbians can threaten Allan McGregor’s goal.
The keeper produced a magnificent save to keep out a penalty, in another major chance that went begging for Dejan Stankovic’s side.
The Light Blues have appeared almost destined to progress across the past three European matches, but have demonstrated a shakiness in defence at times that could be their undoing if they don’t take the risk seriously tonight.
In other Rangers news, a Sky Sports broadcaster has shared the news that Gers fans have been waiting for.