...BUT BELGIAN BOSS DENIES CLAIM AHEAD OF TIE AT ‘MAGICAL’ IBROX

UNION SAINT-GILLOISE head coach Karel Geraerts last night rejected claims by John Lundstram that the Belgian side disrespected Rangers. The Ibrox midfielder was left angered by the wild celebrations that followed Union’s 2-0 first-leg Champions League qualifying win in Leuven last week. However, citing a different football culture in Belgium, Geraerts insisted Union have great admiration for their Scottish rivals ahead of tonight’s second leg at Ibrox. He said: ‘When my players win in training or in games, they are happy. This is our culture. It’s not disrespect towards the opponent — not at all. ‘We were happy for us and the efforts we made in the first leg and we celebrated together. But the respect we have for Rangers is very, very big, I can tell you this.’ Lundstram also claimed Union do not know what kind of atmosphere they will be walking out into tonight at Ibrox. However, Geraerts wants his side to feed off the electricity generated in the Govan ground. He said: ‘It will be a new experience. It will be strange. It will be something to discover but, when you discover new things, it can also be magical. ‘If we have good mental strength and good physical ability then tonight is a big moment to take pleasure on the field in this magical, legendary stadium. ‘We need to take positive energy from that instead of choking.’ Rangers have Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent back fit and Geraerts admits Kent in particular caught his eye as Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side reached the Europa League final last season, losing on penalties to Eintracht Frankfurt in Seville. He said: ‘Kent was one of the key players last season. With his skill and speed, he can play on the left and right. He’s an important player and it’s good for Rangers that he is back. ‘We will prepare something if he is playing but we will also play with our qualities and strengths. ‘I like how Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team play. It’s a nice team to watch but, most importantly, I’m here to coach Union and I want a good performance tonight.’ Meanwhile, Union’s English defender Christian Burgess also insisted last week’s celebrations were not borne out of disrespect for Rangers. Indeed, the former Portsmouth player recalled being taken aback by such scenes when he made the switch to Belgian football. He said: ‘My first game for Union, we won 2-0 in the second division and everyone celebrated like we had won the league. It was a shock for me. ‘But it’s just Belgian football culture. Everyone does it. ‘We were excited when we drew Rangers and now we’re here at Ibrox we are looking forward to it. As long as we keep disciplined and play our way of football, hopefully it can be an exciting experience.’