After Dons, Gers face tough test

BOSS Steven Gerrard has warned Rangers that they face a step up to Champions League class when they face Maribor this week. The Slovenians have been the scourge of Scottish clubs’ European hopes four times in the past nine years, eliminating Celtic, Aberdeen, Hibs and Gers. But Gerrard has a headstart on his homework for their Europa League clash on Thursday, having seen Liverpool face them twice last season in the group stages among the elite. And he insists that despite being impressed by the quality of the Osijek side they beat last week, Maribor are an upgrade – they have qualified for the Champions League group stages twice in the four years before this season. The Ibrox manager will have a staff presence at their away clash with joint league leaders Aluminij this afternoon. But he said: “I have a slight advantage when it comes to Maribor as I watched Liverpool play them twice last season. Will I ask for their help? I’ll try to get any advantage I can.

“I also have big help around the club in terms of analysts, who will be involved.

“We will watch Maribor at the weekend and also look back at their previous European games.

“After Aberdeen, we will have plenty of time to prepare for the tie.

“I’m aware of their record, though – they’re a good side. For me, they are a Champions League team.

“It’s a big test for us, but we are growing and improving.

“The test got an awful lot harder from Shkupi to Osijek and we embraced it and delivered.

“We will go and try to get that step further, but it will be tough as they have good footballers. Are Maribor better than Osijek? It’s difficult to say as Osijek also have some wonderful footballers.

“But, in terms of European experience, they will be a level up.”

Maribor will have the psychological advantage of past Euro success in Scotland to bank on.

Rangers face them in the home leg first and Gerrard is confident they can take an advantage with them to Slovenia.

He said: “It will be different, being home first, but it’s still two 90 minutes. “You’ve got to take both fixtures separately. Just try to get the right result at home.

“As a player, I probably preferred the away game first. The opportunity to come back to Anfield.

“But we have to try and use this to our advantage – can we get in front, establish a lead to take over there?

“I don’t think it’s vital, but, if I had the decision, I would want to come back for the second leg.”