Rapid keeper warns ‘legend’ Al to beware

RAPID VIENNA keeper Richard Strebinger admits he regards opposite number Allan McGregor as a legend, but he’s warned the veteran Ibrox shot-stopper to beware of their “horrible” pitch because it could make him look silly.

Rangers travel to the Austrian capital knowing a win will take them through to the Last 32 of the Europa League, with the hosts needing just a point to qualify.

But although Steven Gerrard’s side may have suffered a recent form slump, it’s nothing compared with the misery of Rapid’s season.

Trailing Austrian Bundesliga leaders and Celtic’s opponents this week Red Bull Salzburg by 25 points after 17 games, Rapid sit in eighth place and their Allianz Stadium ground is hardly a fortress they have already lost three times there this season.

However, in Europe it’s a different matter and their superb 2-1 win at Spartak Moscow has led them to the brink of qualification.

Austrian international Strebinger can’t wait to face Rangers in what he regards as a “cup final” and McGregor tomorrow and revealed his admiration for the 36-yearold came from an unusual source.

But he’s happy to pass on some friendly advice – don’t try to play as a sweeper keeper on their ploughed field playing surface.

He said: “I have known about Allan McGregor for many years. My best friend is another football player – Gerald Peinsipp who plays for Ebreichsdorf in the Austrian Third Division.

“He is actually a very big Rangers fan and together we used to watch Rangers games. I’m not sure actually why he supports them!

“But from a long time ago I was impressed with Allan McGregor. Now he is a legend of the club and a very good goalkeeper.

“He is still an excellent goalkeeper, His reflexes are still super sharp. I have a huge amount of respect for him.

“I would give him a bit of warning about our pitch though.

“In Glasgow, the pitch was the best surface I have ever played on – it was like a golf putting green. Here it’s a a little different to put it mildly! You have to be very careful when you get the ball played back to you.

“Sometimes you just can’t control the ball. I think we need to rip up the pitch soon because it’s not fit for a team like Rapid. “It’s no fun playing on it, it looks horrible and it causes mistakes from everyone.

“But listen, I suppose it’s the same for both teams.

“Rangers are a very good team but I think they will give us chances because they have to attack.”