The Scotsman

Reinforcem­ents may face Ibrox side after Osijek make double swoop

- By MARK WALKER

NK Osijek have made a late double swoop for Brazilian defender Gutierrez Tomelin and Slovenian full-back Erik Janza, and both could be thrown straight into their Europa League clash with Rangers tonight.

The Croatians have been hit with a series of injuries ahead of their visit from Steven Gerrard’s side. But they have moved to first snap up 27-year-old stopper Tomelin, from Polish club Jagielloni­a Białystok.

Osijek can register Tomelin as one of two wild card entries by Uefa up to 24 hours before the kick-off.

Tomelin, who won a Brazilian Serie B medal with Figueirens­e, made 17 starts last term in Poland’s top league and has played more than 50 times for Jagielloni­a Białystok.

Osijek were struggling defensivel­y after losing Goran Milovic to KV Oostende and Matea Barac to Rapid Vienna in the summer.

But Tomelin has arrived to give them much-needed reinforcem­ents at the back ahead of facing the Ibrox side.

Osijek also announced the signing of Slovenian internatio­nal left-back Janza. The 25-year-old has moved from Viktoria Plzen but was recently on loan at Cypriot club Paphos. Both players have signed three-year deals. 0 Erik Janza, right, in action for Slovenia, has been signed by NK Osijek on a three-year deal and may line up against Rangers.

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