PHILIPPE ADMIRES STATE OF UNION ...
RANGERS have been warned Champions League opponents Union Saint-Gilloise are almost the same side as last season, but Newcastle United’s former Belgian hero Philippe Albert still reckons they won’t finish in the top four this term.
The Ibrox side face last season’s Belgian runners-up in the first leg in Leuven before welcoming the Brussels side back to Glasgow next week.
Union have started the season well with a draw at Sint-Truiden and a home win over Charleroi before playing Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side.
But they lost their boss Felice Mazzu to Anderlecht and replaced him with assistant manager Karel Geraerts.
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And they will also be without Belgium’s top scorer, Deniz Undav, who returned to Brighton following his successful loan spell, and have sold key Danish international midfielder Casper Nielsen to Brugge for €6 million.
However, Geordie hero Albert — now a pundit in his homeland — believes USG are still a force to be reckoned with although he doesn’t think they will repeat last season’s second spot.
Albert said: “People keep saying Union have had a turbulent summer, but when you actually look at the squad, they basically only lost two key players: Deniz Undav and Casper Nielsen.
“Defensively, they can still rely on keeper Anthony Morris, Christian Burgess, left, and Teddy Teuma who form the spine of the team.
“They’ve started the season as if nothing has changed and will be pleased with four points from six against teams who can be difficult.
“I actually don’t think Union will make the top four this season, but they should comfortably be able to make it into the top half of the table.
“They will continue to punch above their weight.”