The great Ibrox striker has warned his former team that Fenerbahce should not be overlooked.
Kris Boyd has reminded Rangers that the task is far from over as Fenerbahce arrives in Glasgow seeking Europa League revenge.
The Gers raced to a shock 3-1 first leg victory in Istanbul last week, thanks to rookie manager Barry Ferguson outwitting Jose Mourinho. The scoreline favored the Turkish giants, as Rangers had two goals narrowly denied by VAR. However, having overseen European success at Porto, Inter Milan, Manchester United, and Roma, Boyd believes the Special One may have a surprise in store for Ibrox on Thursday night.
The former Light Blues striker told Sky Sports: “I believe Rangers have given themselves an excellent chance of progressing. I don’t think the tie is finished. I do not expect Fenerbahce to perform as poorly as they did in Turkey last year. Having said that, I thought Rangers were fantastic, deserved the victory, and possibly should have won by more.
“Barry Ferguson will want to recreate the same performance; those are the levels he’ll require. His formation was spot on last week. Ibrox will be packed, the supporters will rally with Rangers, and maybe that will be enough to send them over the line.”
Rangers are having a powder keg week, as they go to Celtic Park on Sunday, just days after their crucial Euro match. With Celtic just three wins away from winning the title, interim manager Ferguson has the opportunity to postpone the celebration in his first Old Firm game in charge.
Brendan Rodgers’ champions-elect have won all but one of their domestic games at Fortress Parkhead this season, surrendering only three league goals. And Boyd accepts that the Gers may struggle to win anything this weekend.
He stated, “The Rangers are aware that the league has ended. They’ll look at Thursday night as an opportunity to advance to the next round, and you never know. Some of these players were there the previous time Rangers were able to visit Seville. This is going to be challenging. If Rangers advance on Thursday, they will face Roma or Atletico Bilbao in the following round, which will be another tough test.
“It provides Rangers with the opportunity to make money while also increasing the positivity that has been lacking in the organization for some time. Europe, particularly this season, has brought back a lot of good memories. Sunday will care for itself. You don’t have to worry. You only become fatigued if you fall behind, at which point you begin to use it as an excuse.
“If Rangers win on Thursday, they will arrive at Celtic Park prepared to perform on Sunday. I believe Rangers will face a tough challenge, especially at home against Celtic. However, Barry refuses to adopt that tired thinking. The fans will not tolerate any excuses. They’ll want to get through in Europe, travel to Celtic Park, attempt to achieve a positive result, and see where it leads them in terms of constructing something that’s now underway.
“There’s no prospect of getting back into the league, but having the confidence to go to Celtic Park and pick up points may give the players hope for next season. But Rangers will face a very difficult task in defeating Celtic on Sunday.”
