I won a European medal... and so can my brilliant protégé Lundstram

FORMER Everton star Kevin Sheedy hopes Rangers midfielder John Lundstram can follow his lead and take possession of a treasured European medal. A Cup Winners’ Cup hero in 1985, Sheedy was Under-18s coach at the Goodison Park club when a young Lundstram came under his tutelage. Speaking after his late goal against RB Leipzig set up tonight’s Europa League final against Eintracht Frankfurt, Lundstram named Sheedy as the biggest influence on his formative years. Ultimately released from Everton without a first-team appearance, he is now central to Rangers’ ambitions of a first continental trophy in 50 years. Reflecting on Everton’s final victory over Rapid Vienna, Sheedy sees similarities with Lundstram’s bid for immortality at Ibrox. He said: ‘I’ve got my fingers crossed for Rangers and John that they can win the trophy. ‘Unfortunately, we only had one opportunity with Everton because of the European ban at the time (after the Heysel Stadium disaster). But it still gets spoken about more than 30 years on. ‘You look back with pride. Supporters you meet in the street will always want to talk about it. ‘I watched the Ibrox semi on TV and it was unbelievable. It made me think back to playing Bayern Munich in the 1985 semi-finals. The atmosphere in the second leg was the best I ever played in. When we got the third goal, it was like the roof came off and it was the same at Rangers. ‘It was 3-1 on both nights, too. We went on to win the trophy, so hopefully Rangers can do the same.’ Sheedy has kept an eye on Lundstram’s development through Oxford United, Sheffield United and now Rangers. And he added: ‘I can’t speak highly enough about him. John stepped down the leagues and I’ve been so pleased to see how he’s progressed since.’