Gers Must Perform In Copenhagen

Last updated : 27 August 2003 By Grandmaster Suck

As confidence boosters go, they can't come much better than a 5-2 victory, especially when the team has twice been behind and had to survive a second half penalty kick. In the end, Rangers were comfortable winners over Hibs and rattling in five goals augers well for Copenhagen on Wednesday night but the defense still looks far too flimsy. It took a brilliant penalty save from Stefan Klos to turn the game our way and Der Goalie may well be the man who determines whether or not we progress to the Champions League.

Just like at Pittodrie last week, Rangers didn't‚t start well on Saturday. We certainly can‚t afford to be so slow out of the traps in Denmark. Hibs showed every inclination to cause us problems long before Murray headed them into the lead but our guys always posed a threat up front, especially when Vanoli got forward down the left and MM's equalizer from Paulo's cross was a top quality striker‚s goal. But in terms of quality, the volley from McManus which restored the Trainspotters‚ lead was something else and, at that stage of the game, I was seriously concerned. Rangers had to get back on level terms before half-time because the crowd was showing signs of turning against the team. Thankfully, a flukey o.g. got us out of jail but I worried about Hibs‚ ability to run at our defense.

It was a penetrating run at our back line which earned them their second half penalty but Klos made a brilliant save, then MM's ability to hold off Doumbe, turn to get in his shot, edged the Gers in front. And as Hibs tried to save the game, there was always the likelihood of us adding to our lead, although I still can‚t understand how nobody got a touch to Artista's free-kick before it crept into the net. The comfort zone of the fourth goal took the pressure off and we cruised through the closing stages, with Mols unselfishly setting up young Burkey for goal number five.

Of course, the game was surely Baz's last at Ibrox and, given all the baggage which went with it, I reckon he came out of it well. There were a few half-hearted boos when the team was announced but the vast majority of the crowd got behind him once the serious business started. However, there was something unreal about it all. Even the Blue Order's efforts to get his song started didn't have any real conviction to it. I've said my piece on Baz in the latest issue of the fanzine. As far as I‚m concerned, the sooner everything is done and dusted, the better it will be for all concerned.

Last week I wrote about Hibs coming to The Brox, putting up the shutters and trying to bore us into silence. Hey, did I get that wrong or what? Full marks to Bobby Williamson and his team for having a go. We are there for the taking right now and any team which does not have the bottle to try to find us out deserve all they get. By pulling everyone behind the ball, they give up too much of the game and sheer weight of pressure means they are always likely to lose a goal. Hibs opted to play the game in our half of the pitch, they gave as good as they got for long periods and, on another day, they would have taken something from the game. If others are equally positive, they might find that they too can give us problems.

Meanwhile, we're off to Copenhagen as clear league leaders, the only team in the SPL with a 100% record. That can‚t be bad, can it? It would be great to think Oz will be back to bolster the defense and, having been wrapped in cotton wool at the weekend, RdB will have a big part to play. His class and craft will be crucial. He has seen it all before and we need to see him show the desire to enjoy it all again if we are to get the result we need. His ability to link up with MM will be our main goal threat and I‚m convinced we'll get at least one goal.

It is at the other end we have to worry. Copenhagen are a big, physical team and how we cope with them on Wednesday will give some indication of how we will fare against the Mutton-Fartson battering ram tactics. I know our guys will be up for this one and, with Der Goalie on top form, I reckon we'll nick it, if only after a nerve-jangling night. Get down to Ladbrokes and stick a few quid on a 2-1 win for Rangers!!!

Then it will be time to test our belief in the power of prayer when we go into the hat with the big boys at the end of the week. Pass the Imodium tablets!!!

LITTLE BOY BLUE