ALLAN KEY FOR SLAVIA
BY DAVID McCARTHY JINDRICH TRPISOVSKY has admitted that a week on from Allan McGregor’s wonder save he still can’t believe Slavia Prague have travelled to Glasgow without a lead to take into their second leg showdown at Ibrox.
The Slavia coach is adamant McGregor’s last-gasp stop from Lukas Masopust’s bullet header was a better save than Gordon Banks pulled off for England against Brazil in the 1970 World Cup.
The save ensured the game ended 1-1, leaving the last 16 Europa League tie in the balance, and Trpisovsky said: “I don’t remember such a genius save. It really was outstanding and I would say it is even better than the legendary save of Gordon Banks.
“The header was a really good hit and the field was wet but McGregor just had it by a pinky.
“He is a pivotal part of the team and we saw the other day that he saved a penalty against Celtic last season.
“I have to say that I have never seen a better save. I honestly can’t understand it.”
Slavia stunned Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester in the previous round, winning 2-0 at the King Power Stadium to knock the former Premier League champions out of the competition.
But the Czech league leaders are expecting an even tougher test in Glasgow tonight.
Trpisovsky added: “We are aware of the strength that Rangers have and the way that they play.
“They haven’t only shown it last week but they have shown it during the whole season.
“We know that Rangers are a tough, strong and resilient opponent and it will be very difficult to make them play our way but we have had time to prepare.
“We are entering this match at the moment where Rangers are going through and nowadays in football every team has to have good defence as well as good offence.
“We know that we have to score a goal and that is our aim. We are going into this match with that plan.”
Trpisovsky expressed concerns about the Ibrox pitch before jetting out to Glasgow but was left pleasantly surprised after getting an up-close look.
He said: “The pitch looks better than was talked about. At first glance, that shouldn’t be a problem.”