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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Mark Walker

Servette set for first stadium sell-out in 20 years for Rangers showdown

Servette will sell out their stadium for the first time in 20 years this month when Rangers visit in the Champions League second leg.

Rangers will face the Swiss side in the third qualifying round after they stunned favourites Genk this week by winning on penalties despite having to play 117 minutes with ten men.

Michael Beale's men will have to travel to Geneva for the second leg a week on Tuesday.

And such is the interest in the game there, the match sold out in less than a day for the return leg at the 30,084 capacity Stade de Geneve. It's the first time a match has sold out at the venue since the ground was opened in 2003 and the full house signs went up for Servette's game against Young Boys.

They only attracted 18,026 for their home game in the last round against Genk, but they will be backed by a full house against Rangers in the second leg as they attempt to qualify for the group stages of the Champions League play-offs for the first time in their history.

Meanwhile, Alex Lowry is eager to make his Hearts debut against St Johnstone on Saturday after “stepping out of his comfort zone” by leaving boyhood club Rangers on a season-long loan.

The 20-year-old midfielder has been allowed to join the Tynecastle side in a bid to get more game time after making 10 appearances since his debut for the Light Blues in January 2022. Rangers have an option to recall Lowry in January.

The Scotland Under-21 cap could make his debut in the cinch Premiership opener away to Saints after becoming the fifth signing made by Jambos’ technical director Steven Naismith and head coach Frankie McAvoy this summer.

“I’m buzzing and delighted to get this done,” Lowry told Hearts TV. “I want to get going and play in front of the fans at Tynecastle and repay Steven and Frankie’s faith in bringing me here.

“This was definitely the right place to come, the style of play really suits me. I’m very creative, my first thought is always forward.

“I like to play passes that not many people see. I’ll work hard for the team, and do my bit off the ball, so I can hopefully create chances in better positions.

“There just seems to be a buzz around the place. I just want to be out playing in front of the Hearts fans as quick as possible. Hopefully it’s tomorrow against St Johnstone but we’ll wait and see.

“I’ve been at Rangers all my life, so to step out of my comfort zone is something I’m really looking forward to. I’ve played at Tynecastle a few times and it’s always a stadium I love coming to. It’s so tight and there’s so much energy around the place. It’s a great place to play football.”

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