NK Osijek: We can’t wait to play Gers
OSIJEK boss Zoran Zekic has issued a warning to Rangers as Steven Gerrard frets over the fitness of Scott Arfield, below. The Croatians scraped through to the second qualifying round of the Europa League against Petrocub but Zekic insists they will get better.
Osijek developed talent such as Davor Suker, Marko Babic and World Cup runner-up Domagoj Vida.
They have close links with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and one
FROM BACK PAGE of their co-owners, Croatian Ivan Mestrovic, recently bought Italian Serie C club Santarcangelo.
Osijek defeated PSV Eindhoven 1-0 in both legs of the competition last year before being KO’d by Austria Vienna and Zekic hasn’t ruled out another shock.
He said: “Playing against a club as massive as Rangers is a reward for our supporters.
“There are many similarities between them and PSV last year and we hope it’s a similar outcome.
“Rangers are favourites against us but we have made a lot of progress in the past two years and we can’t wait for this tie.
“Petrocub were not an easy opponent, especially not at this stage of the season when we had only played one game.
“But the most important thing was to step forward into this gala occasion against Rangers. Some of our players are not yet in shape and others are still young but I hope we show greater quality next week.
“We’ve only been together a month so it will be easier for us to play the more matches we face. We will rise and get better.”
Gerrard revealed Arfield is facing a race against time to be fit for Thursday’s first leg in Osijek. The former Falkirk kid injured his knee in the 2-0 win over Shkupi and did not travel to Macedonia for the return.
The Gers boss said: “Scott is improving slowly but we are not sure if he will be available next week.”
Declan John also missed the trip to Skopje with a back injury but will be ready for the trip to Croatia.
Gerrard added: “Lee Wallace has done a bit of pitch-based stuff and Graham Dorrans is pushing each day to improve his fitness levels. Jordan Rossiter will still be a little while just yet.”
Meanwhile, Gers hope to complete their move for Liverpool loan winger Ryan Kent early next week but the 21-year-old won’t be registered in time to face Osijek.