Ronald De Boer reckons his countrymen view Rangers as an easier touch than Monaco for PSV Eindhoven.
The Dutch big-hitters outlasted the men from the principality to secure a thrilling 4-3 aggregate triumph, and now a winner takes all clash with Gio van Bronckhorst 's side awaits. But De Boer senses a level of cynicism of his former club despite their rousing run to the Europa League Final, which included major scalps in Borussia Dortmund, Leipzig and Braga.
Speaking to BBC Sportsound, he said: "In Holland, they think Monaco was. more difficult opponent than Rangers so they think they have a better chance. But I know the Rangers squad a little bit and what European football does at Ibrox. As an ex-Rangers player, I hope they go through but it's really a 50-50."
And De Boer reckons Ruud van Nistelrooy 's PSV are a quality outfit capable of causing strife to the Light Blues, however, he feels Monaco outjabbed them during their war of attrition duel over two legs. He feels both teams have compelling cases to grab the £40m ticket awaiting for them in the Champions League group stage.
He added: "They're going to be a very tough opponent. It's clear that PSV Eindhoven bought some very good players who have integrated very well. Luuk De Jong was the big signing. Of course he was already a PSV player before. But with his experience, he showed in the dying seconds against Monaco how vital he can be. The team looks great after a great result against a very good opponent in Monaco.
"They were quite lucky over the two games. Moncao were the better team, but not always the better team goes to the next stage. PSV, as we say, have weapons in that tent. They can score from set pieces and have some great players in the midfield like Joey Veerman and [Ibrahim] Sangare. So they can grind the victories also, even if they don't play well. Rangers will find it very tough but they will also think they have good chance.
"Van Nistelorooy has a different idea of football than Roger Schmidt, the coach who went to Benfica. They played 4-2-2-2, which means now they play 4-3-3, which I think suits them better. What van Nistelrooy brings is that when they don't have the ball, they can play in the counter attack. Dutch teams always want to attack but he's more realistic. If the opponent is better, then let's surprise them on the counter attack and they do that very well, I must say."
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