Champions League: Rangers up against either Malmo or Torshavn

Published on Friday 15 July 2011 15:07

RANGERS will play either Swedish side Malmo or Faroe Islands champions Torshavn in the third qualifying round of the Champions League.

Malmo are currently in pole position to take on Ally McCoist's side after a 2-0 victory in the first leg, with a trip to Torshavn to come on Tuesday.

It was certainly not the kindest draw Rangers could have had for the two-legged tie, which will begin with a home match on July 26/27, with the away leg taking place the following week.

Rangers have never met either team in a competitive fixture but they did play Malmo, European Cup runners-up to Nottingham Forest in 1979, in a friendly in Sweden in 2001.

The Glasgow side prevailed 3-1 on that occasion, with goals from Tore Andre Flo, Claudio Caniggia and Neil McCann.

Malmo have the advantage of being in the middle of their domestic season, although their hopes of retaining their title look slim, with Rikard Norling's side currently sitting eighth in the table, 10 points behind leaders Helsingborg.

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McCoist expects Malmo to beat Torshavn and was content with the draw, principally because it means his side will not face a lengthy trip to one of Europe's far-flung destinations.

He told www.rangers.co.uk: "I think it is a more than acceptable draw for us. In terms of travelling and organisation, it is far better than some of the other possibilities, like Georgia for example.

"I fully expect Malmo to get through. They have a two-goal lead from the first leg and I think it would be a major shock if they were knocked out.

"Of course they are in the middle of their season so that gives them a bit of an advantage. At the same time our lads know the importance of the tie and I feel that will be a huge factor.

"We might be a little rusty in terms of competitive games but I feel that if we play as we can we have the opportunity to qualify."

McCoist will not travel to the Faroe Islands on Tuesday because it clashes with Rangers' friendly against Blackpool at Bloomfield Road so coach Ian Durrant will go instead.

The Gers boss said: "He is well versed in gaining vital information on opponents. I'm sure he will go with the mindset that Malmo are going through so he can look at them thoroughly and give us his report.

"We have good contacts in Sweden so we will be fully versed in what they have to offer," added McCoist.