'Very Surprised' - Scott Allan issues Rangers verdict prior to Malmo kick off

Scott Allan says he would be “very surprised” if Rangers were able to come away from Malmo with a win in the Europa League.

The Kelty Hearts player-coach told PLZ Soccer on 25 September from experience that the Swedish side are better than expected and there is something about the stadium which makes it a daunting prospect, having faced them as a Celtic player.

And while he admits Philippe Clement’s men have improved since losing the Old Firm derby he doesn’t expect them to return with a victory, and a draw would constitute a decent trip.

He said (23m 50s): “There’s no question since the Celtic game they have put a bit of form together in terms of a lot better on the ball, but away to Malmo is a very tough game.

“I remember going there with Celtic in a Champions League qualifier, I think it was [Virgil] van Dijk’s last game, and I don’t know what it is about there, they’ve got the fans right on top of the stadium, they’re better than what you expect them to be.

“I’d be very surprised if Rangers got the win there. I think a draw would be a good result. A very tough ask is the Scandinavians, they’ve been in their season for a while as well so they’re at kind if maximum fitness.

“Very tough game but there has been signs of progress in the last few weeks and that’s something that Rangers fans are looking to at the moment.”

Philippe Clement takes Rangers side to Malmo

There’s no denying that Malmo away is a tricky game, in a set of Europa League fixtures that are hardly a walk in the park.

Having Hamza Igamane missing from the squad due to unforeseen passport issues [4 Lads Had A Dream, 26 September] is the last thing Clement needed in that regard, with the Moroccan striker looking very encouraging since his introduction to the first team.

The manager will likely see this game as an opportunity as much as a challenge when a positive result could be used a springboard moving forward now that his squad is looking more settled a few weeks since the transfer window shut.

Neraysho Kasanwirjo makes his debut for the Light Blues at left-back due to Ridvan Yilmaz’s injury and Jefte’s suspension, and Nedim Bajrami starts again.

The transfer haul has been somewhat hit and miss so far, with centre-back Robin Propper in particular a concern.

But results often solve everything and with two wins on the trot in two competitions a third in three against Malmo would certainly suggest things were on the right track.

In other Rangers news, a suspicion has emerged on why the Light Blues were snubbed after advanced talks for a key appointment.

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