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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Liam Bryce

5 things we spotted at Rangers training as Gio van Bronckhorst shot could prove symbolic

Anticipation is reaching feverish highs already even with just under seven days to go.

Yes, this is likely to be the longest of long weeks for Rangers fans as they await the Europa League Final.

A date with Eintracht Frankfurt awaits but as far as Giovanni van Bronckhorst is concerned it's business as usual until Seville, with Hearts awaiting in their final Premiership match on Saturday.

He wants to keep his side's momentum steady as he led Thursday's post-match session following victory over Ross County.

Morale looks, understandably, sky high in the Ibrox camp given what's to come.

Here's five things we spotted from Rangers training.

Flying high

A perfectly timed shot captured Van Bronckhorst with angel's wings and there's little doubt the manager will be immortalised if his team deliver in Seville.

Having played at the very top with Barcelona and the Netherlands, he's no stranger to these occasions and that's been reflected in the aura of calm he's projected at every stage of this European run.

For a team that was often accused of mental fragility in recent years, they've shown a remarkable mentality on the big stage and you wonder how much of that is down to Van Bronckhorst.

Captain's focus

(REUTERS)

James Tavernier rarely misses a minute and you wonder if the Rangers captain ever gets a moment to reflect on the journey he's taken.

One such moment presented itself on Thursday as the right-back was captured looking deep in thought during the warm-up as the biggest day of his career moved that little bit closer.

Tavernier made his Rangers debut in the Challenge Cup in 2015, a tournament Rangers went on to win that season. It's fair to say a triumphant night in Seville might just edge that one.

Lowry very much at home

(REUTERS)

It remains to be seen where Alex Lowry's Rangers career will head - although the initial signs are very positive - but there's one essential attribute he does not lack on the pitch - belief.

The youngster carries himself with the confidence and assuredness of a much more experienced player and his unwavering willingness to make things happen in possession displays a strong faith in his ability.

Squad rotation afforded him a start against Ross County and, as he has done in every senior appearance, the 18-year-old looked very much at home. He could get another chance to impress against Hearts on Sunday.

The Ramsey question

(AFP via Getty Images)

The on-loan Juventus midfielder was an unused sub on Wednesday night despite a lack of game-time in recent weeks.

Ramsey's fitness has been managed carefully since his arrival and while he hasn't featured as much as Van Bronckhorst will have hoped, having such an experienced campaigner fit for Seville will be important.

But will he start the game?

Sunday's encounter at Tynecastle could well offer some insight into that possibility with the manager revealing on Thursday he's already decided on "80 to 90 per cent" of his starting XI for the big one.

Another chance for Amad?

(REUTERS)

Given his reputation and the price Manchester United paid to Atalanta, there was considerable excitement surrounding Amad Diallo's loan arrival in January.

But the reality is Rangers were getting a teenager with very little first-team football under his belt, who was always likely to require a settling in period in the hustle and bustle of Scottish football.

Mid-season arrivals are rarely afforded such a luxury and it's only in the past few weeks Amad has shown signs of adapting. He's unlikely to play for United next season, could another loan be an option?

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