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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Rangers FC news round-up: Bell Ibrox tribute, Ramsey return hint, RB Leipzig key battles

Rangers FC news round-up: Jimmy Bell Ibrox tribute, Aaron Ramsey return hint, RB Leipzig key battles

RANGERS take on RB Leipzig tonight in the Europa League semi-final second-leg aiming to overcome a one-goal deficit.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side fell to a late 1-0 defeat in Germany but will have the backing of a packed Ibrox roaring them on in hope of a spot in the final.

It comes as Rangers players, staff and supporters continue to mount the death of legendary kit man Jimmy Bell. A minute's silence will be observed in his memory ahead of kick-off.

Here's your Rangers news round-up...

Rangers staff and players lay wreath in memory of Jimmy Bell

RANGERS players, management and board members have gathered at Ibrox today to lay wreaths in memory of legendary kit man Jimmy Bell.

The death of the popular and long-serving Bell at the age of 69 was announced by the Ibrox club on Tuesday.

The news came as the Light Blues were preparing for their semi-final second leg at Ibrox, where they will bid to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first meeting in Germany.

Captain James Tavernier and manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst both laid wreaths at the John Greig statue.

Kris Boyd drops Aaron Ramsey return hint

Kris Boyd is not expecting huge changes tonight as Rangers face off against RB Leipzig in the Europa League semi-final return leg at Ibrox.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst's team are currently a goal down in the tie, but they will be confident of a turnaround with a full crowd behind them.

Speaking on Sky Sports this morning, Boyd was quizzed on how Rangers would line up against the Germans.

He explained: "Alfredo (Morelos) has been out for a few weeks and he has been a big miss, but for me Kemar Roofe has been an even bigger miss.

"When Alfredo got injured Kemar Roofe came in, so they've not really got an out and out striker. Fashion Sakala has played that role but it's not really worked for him especially in Europe.

"I would imagine it would be something similar to the line-up that finished in Leipzig. I would expect Joe Aribo to come in up front and be that target man. When he came in the ball stuck to him and Rangers were able to get forward.

"I think Ramsey is back in training, I'm not quite sure where Roofe is at.

"He can come in and cover for Morelos, but there is no one to cover them when they are both out."

Key battles in Rangers vs RB Leipzig

Connor Goldson vs Christopher Nkunku

Probably the most predictable match-up of the lot will be Goldson up against Nkunku.

The striker bagged a brace in the second leg of Leipzig's quarter-final tie against Atalanta in Italy.

So the Frenchman is clearly the main dangerman for the German outfit.

Like Sakala, he has pace to burn and often makes smart runs in-behind the back of defenders.

Goldson will need to be on top form to keep tabs on Nkunku. He's managed in every round until now, so there's no reason why he can't produce another solid showing.

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