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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Christopher Jack

Borna Barisic issues Ibrox rallying call as Rangers prepare for Europa League showdown

Anthony Ralston of Celtic is challenged by Borna Barisic of Rangers during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Rangers

BORNA BARISIC has backed the Ibrox crowd to become the key twelfth man for Rangers and inspire them to Europa League success.

The champions host RB Leipzig on Thursday night aiming to overcome a first leg defeat and book their place in their first continental final in 14 years.

Rangers saw their chances of retaining the Premiership title all-but ended at Parkhead as a Fashion Sakala strike was only enough to earn them an Old Firm draw.

Celtic remain six points clear of Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side this term and are poised to wrap up the silverware sooner rather than later.

But Rangers now have their sights set on even greater glories after an encouraging performance gave them a timely boost heading into the visit of Leipzig this week.

“Yes absolutely," Barisic said when asked if he had mixed emotions after the derby draw. "Especially after our good reaction in the second half.

“I think we played much better and created a couple of very good chances which e didn’t score.

“Unfortunately in the first half we conceded that goal. At the end it was 1-1 and yes we are very disappointed.

“Yes I agree with you [that we looked fitter in the second half] but we needed the three points.

"This was a chance to connect with them in the league table. But we didn’t do that and we’re disappointed.

“Everyone put in a huge effort in the second half, we gave everything but at the end 1-1 was not enough.

“Listen, this is now our biggest game of the season on Thursday.

“We know what we need to do, we know how they play. We know how they played in Germany will be different at Ibrox.

“We canny wait for that game to show energy, to show desire, to try to qualify for the final.

“We know the fans will help our performance for sure. It’s on us now to perform on Thursday.

"They will be behind us like always. I expect a very, very good atmosphere and we’ll see what happens. But we’ll give everything to win the game."

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