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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Alan Galindo

Rangers backed by ex-Celtic star Charlie Nicholas to win Europa League as he names 'ultimate hero'

Charlie Nicholas has backed Rangers to win the Europa League as he namechecked one star to be the 'ultimate hero' in Seville.

The Light Blues face Frankfurt tomorrow night in the showpiece with both sides dreaming of silverware.

Ex-Celtic star Nicholas believes the likes of Ryan Kent, Joe Aribo and Aaron Ramsey can do something magical, but believes James Tavernier and Calvin Bassey hold the key to success at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium.

The pundit believes it will tense affair in Spain with the game going the distance.

But he's backed Rangers to come out on top in extra-time.

Speaking in his Scottish Daily Express column, he said: "Eintracht Frankfurt can score goals but they are vulnerable at the back, similar to their opponents.

"However, Rangers have a mentality in these epic European nights that elevates their performances.

"They also have matchwinners Ryan Kent, Joe Aribo and Aaron Ramsey can do something magical, but I've got a feeling their key players in Seville will be James Tavernier and Calvin Bassey.

"Bassey's pace at the back is a massive asset, while Tavernier has shown he can single-handedly change a game.

"The captain's scoring record is phenomenal, as is his assists tally. If Tavernier gets the time and space to exert his influence, I can see Rangers edging it.

"The full-back is the top scorer in the Europa League this season and the third highest scorer in Scotland with 18 goals in all competitions.

"Yes, a fair few of them are penalties but even if you take them out of the equation, his goal return is incredible and he is getting better.

"I can see Tavernier being the ultimate hero. He always seems to deliver when it matters.

"My score prediction is 1-1 after 90 minutes and Rangers to win 2-1 in extra-time."

Should Rangers go on and lift the trophy, Nicholas is in no doubt it would eclipse their 1972 Cup Winners' Cup triumph.

And he reckons Giovanni van Bronckhorst's men have already eclipsed Celtic's 2003 Uefa Cup run.

He added: "If Rangers lift the Europa League trophy tomorrow night in Seville it would surpass their 1972 Cup Winners' Cup triumph.

"Beating Dynamo Moscow for their first European silverware was some achievement, but given the financial gulf between the current side and Eintracht Frankfurt - not to mention the teams they have knocked out en route to the final - this would be even greater.

"Sure, it is not the European Cup or the Champions League, but it would be massive for Scottish football if Rangers win the continent's second most prestigious club tournament.

"Getting this far is already a bigger accomplishment than Celtic's run to the 2003 UEFA Cup final in Seville because Martin O'Neill's team was bankrolled with massive sums in wages and transfer fees.

"Giovanni van Bronckhorst hasn't really spent a lot since replacing Steven Gerrard in the Ibrox hotseat last November, yet he has taken the squad on.

"I expected Rangers' level to drop when injury ended star striker Alfredo Morelos' season in March, but it has actually been the opposite.

"It feels like the team has managed to recharge its batteries."

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