I CAN’T WAIT TO MEET GERRARD
BY ALAN MARSHALL LIVERPOOL daft Max Hofmann says he will be in awe of both Steven Gerrard and the Ibrox atmosphere on Thursday.
But the Rapid Vienna defender warned Rangers not to underestimate the struggling Austrians, despite their dismal league form that resulted in the sacking of manager Goran Djuricin after their latest weekend loss.
Rapid are in turmoil ahead of the trip but have reserved their best performances for Europe and already have three points in Group G following a win against Spartak Moscow in the section opener.
Hofmann has backed his team-mates to get over the disappointment of losing their manager and their woeful domestic form – once he settles down after meeting Gerrard.
He said: “I am a huge Liverpool fan so of course I know the manager. He is a big hero of mine. I’m very excited at the prospect of seeing him on the touchline.
“He was my favourite player when I was growing up, because he was at the centre of everything Liverpool did.
“When the centre-back had the ball, they looked for him. When the striker held it up, they looked for him. So I am really looking forward to meeting him, saying hello and shaking his hand.
“Spartak were a good opponent but I expect Rangers to be tougher in their own stadium.
“We have a desire and a belief to reach the next round but we know how difficult it will be.” MARK WALTERS is delighted to see the progress made in Scottish football in the 30 years since he suffered sickening racist abuse.
He was pelted with bananas on his Rangers debut against Celtic at Parkhead in January 1988 and is glad black players don’t have to deal with the same issues.
The former Ibrox favourite said: “I don’t hear so much about racist incidents in football now, it has come on leaps and bounds. It’s a cosmopolitan league in Scotland now.
“I reflect on Rangers as a fantastic time in my career. My debut wasn’t memorable for good reasons, of course.”