I’d love to stay here and play in Europe

AS a season which won’t live long in the memory down Ibrox way trudges towards its conclusion, the prospect of confirming a return to Europe at Firhill tomorrow is at least something to be celebrated.

However, quite how many of Pedro Caixinha’s players will be treading the foreign boards when the Europa League gets underway late next month remains to be seen.

All other things being equal, Clint Hill would likely be a part of the Portuguese’s plans going forward.

Experienced and effective, the veteran defender’s greatest sin is to be one of just two players out of contract when the season ends.

But for all this term has been testing and at times traumatic for all in Light Blue, Hill would like nothing more than to elongate his stay in Glasgow with a deal which would see him taste European football for the first time.

‘I would take it at any stage of my career,’ smiled the 38-year-old. ‘It would be fantastic for the club to get back into Europe.

‘You have to get through the qualifiers first to get to the group stage. Aberdeen didn’t manage that this season so it is difficult.

‘If I am here and it comes along it would be fantastic. It would be another achievement on the list.’

Few would begrudge Hill that opportunity. One of only a handful of Rangers players to earn pass marks during this season, his commitment has long been recognised by the rank and file.

When he encountered a lift full of boisterous fans at a recent club function, the bond between them was celebrated in song and shown online for the world to witness.

‘I don’t think I’ll win any singing contests,’ laughed Hill. ‘That was just a mad moment. I was on my way out of the hotel and the lift got invaded by 30 or 40 people.

‘I’m actually surprised we made it out of there alive. I didn’t think the lift would take that much weight. But they’re great fans.

‘They’ve had a difficult few years but, in a few years’ time when I look back and see the club back at the top, it’ll hopefully be a bit sweeter for them.’

Last Saturday was surely as grim a day as any they’ve endured over this past five years.

As if the sight of Celtic scoring five at Ibrox for the first time wasn’t hard enough to take, the realisation it could have been worse was sobering in the extreme.

‘It’s certainly up there and I’ve taken some batterings in my time,’ said Hill. ‘I’ve gone to Manchester City and Leicester and lost by six and I’ve had Luis Suarez give me the runaround for 90 minutes.

‘So I wouldn’t encourage anyone else to repeat the experience.

‘It’s not a nice feeling, standing in the middle of the park, with our stands not full, looking at the scoreboard and seeing that result. It wasn’t a great time to be a Rangers player.’

Much as he would love the opportunity to exact revenge, Hill knows there’s every chance he will be viewing all things Rangers from a distance sooner rather than later.

Kenny Miller, one of the few to have earned his corn this term like Hill, is staying on but the silence surrounding Hill’s situation is deafening.

‘I would love to stay,’ he said. ‘It’s up to one man really and only he can answer the question.

‘Hopefully this time next week I can give you a better answer.’

MThe prestigious Rangers Soccer 7s Invitational tournament takes place at The Rangers Football Centre on Sunday, 28 May, and the winners have the chance to play a Rangers Legends Select at Ibrox — captained by John Brown. To book places call 0871 702 1972 or email events@rangers.co.uk.