Daniel Larsson ready for the Rangers onslaught

Published on Wednesday 27 July 2011 19:41

Daniel Larsson insists Malmo will be fully prepared for an onslaught from Rangers next week as both clubs battle to remain in the Champions League.

The Swedes hold the advantage from the third qualifying round first leg at Ibrox on Tuesday night thanks to an 18th-minute strike from Larsson.

The forward says Malmo - who had other chances to find the net in Glasgow - must be confident about their chances of progressing to the play-off stage.

But he is also well aware that Rangers will not give up their place in the tournament without a fight. He said: "I am feeling confident, but we also have to be very humble. We will have to work hard and prepare mentally because we know they will come at us with everything they've got next week. We will be prepared for a battle that will last for 90 minutes."

Goalkeeper Allan McGregor came to Rangers' rescue with a number of impressive saves to ensure Malmo did not head home with an even bigger advantage ahead of the second leg.

Larsson added: "I wouldn't say it was easy, we worked our backsides off. But we played a good game and we did our job tactically.

"Defensively, it was a flawless game. We could maybe have made a bigger challenge, but we made it very difficult for them. Maybe they weren't playing at their best, but I don't know because I haven't seen them that much."

Malmo have already played a number of games in their domestic league and appeared to take advantage of Rangers' own lack of competitive action, with just one Clydesdale Bank Premier League game under their belts so far.

In that game, the Ibrox side could only come from behind to draw 1-1 with a Hearts outfit who came closer to winning the match.

Larsson said: "This is a fact for Swedish teams every year so we have to take advantage of those possibilities when we get them. Maybe we got one of those opportunities in this game."