Former Celtic star Andreas Hinkel insists the Parkhead punters will be right behind his RB Leipzig side as the Germans look to end Rangers’ Europa League dream.
But while the German knows supporters of his old club don’t want the best for the Ibrox side, he says Rangers’ rise back to the top flight has been great for Scottish football.
Hinkel spent three-and-a-half years in the east end of Glasgow and picked up a league title winners’ medal and League Cup gong.
The full back arrived from Seville where he won the UEFA Cup - in Glasgow after winning the all-Spanish showdown with Espanyol at Hampden in 2007 - and is looking to add the trophy to his coaching CV.
Hinkel is now assistant boss to Leipzig’s young Italian gaffer Domenico Tedesco who he also assisted at Spartak Moscow.
And the 40-year-old can’t wait for the last four showdown with his former rivals as he looks to reach the final in Seville, where he spent two years as a player, against either West Ham United or Eintracht Frankfurt.
Hinkel knows all about the Ibrox atmosphere having encountered Rangers as a player at Stuttgart and of course in the frenzied Old Firm derbies.
He has huge respect for the progress they have made, including that stunning aggregate win over Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund in the last 16.
And Hinkel, in an interview with Sport BILD in his homeland, is banking on some support from his old pals. He smiled: “Part of the city will definitely be a Leipzig fan at these two games."
But the former international added: “It's very good for Scottish football that Rangers have recovered after the difficult times, including being relegated (to the fourth tier in 2012).
“They have a lot of quality on offence with players like Ryan Kent, Joe Aribo, Kemar Roofe and Aaron Ramsey.
“In defence they are robust and strong in duels. They have a lot of players with Premier League experience in their ranks. They already know how the game works.
“The atmosphere in the Ibrox Stadium will be special. I've been very fortunate to experience Glasgow derbies as a player. For me, the Old Firm is one of the greatest games ever. The mood was indescribable every time.
“For me, the Uefa Cup victory with Sevilla is something very special to this day. It’s something that stays. You could see that at the party afterwards (in 2007). The fans were extremely happy and proud.”
