Former Rangers midfielder Dragan Mladenovic’s Ibrox career may have gone in a puff of smoke after his £1.1m move from Red Star Belgrade 18 years ago.
But the 46-year-old is adamant the Serbs are ready to set the Europa League on fire in the coming week and leave their own lasting impression on the Light Blues’ support.
Mladenovic is now Academy director at Red Star and can’t wait to see two of his old sides lock horns for a place in the quarter final.
While he speaks fondly of his short time in Glasgow after Alex McLeish splashed seven figures to lure him from his homeland in the summer of 2004, the ex-Serbia and Montenegro international makes no bones about the fact he’s backing Dejan Stankovic’s side to progress.
Key to those hopes, he insists, is keeping a cool head amid the red hot atmosphere at Ibrox tomorrow night.
Just like Rangers, who are in the midst of a frantic title fight with Celtic, Red Star are chasing fierce rivals Partizan in the closing stages of the Serbian SuperLiga, trailing by two points.
But they have serious star quality in their side, no more so than midfield double act Aleksandar Katai and Mirko Ivanic who between them have struck an incredible 38 goals from behind the frontline this season.
It’s that kind of threat in the Belgrade ranks - as well as the experience of Aleksandar Dragovic at the heart of defence - that convinces Mladenovic his home club will come out on top over the two legs.
Not that he’s written off Rangers by any means, with Ryan Kent pinpointed as the biggest threat.
Mladenovic, who made just nine appearances for McLeish’s Gers in the 2004/05 title winning season before returning to Belgrade, reckons it’s crucial the Serbs keep their head amid the frenzied European atmosphere in Govan.
Do that and he has warned Rangers they’ll face a mighty task in the Marakana stadium seven days’ later.
He said: “Red Star definitely have a chance to progress against Rangers. They were happy in Glasgow with this draw which perhaps gives them the best chance of qualifying.
“But Red Star can look for their chance in individual quality - Rangers currently do not have players like Katai and Ivanic.
“Those two can definitely break the game. Considering the form they have shown in the previous part of the championship, I have high expectations.
“Also, there is Aleksandar Dragović, who brought the red and whites much-needed experience and stability in defence.
“Red Star has serious experience and continuity in the Europa League and the Champions League, and it has built a certain credibility. So it is by no means an outsider.
“If Red Star cope with Rangers’ speed and the pressure from the stands at Ibrox, they will have a chance.
“I expect two good games. Nothing will be decided in the first match, the winner will be decided on our field.
“What is important is that the final result is such that the Red Star goes further.
“What is also important is that the team should not lose its head regardless of the scoreline.
“Rangers will have the advantage of the home field in the first match, they play in front of their fans, and in the end, we will have the support of our fans in the return match.
“The atmosphere will be fantastic. The stadium is beautiful, there is a lot of contact with the fans who are literally two metres from the field.
“The situation is similar to ours at Marakana. I have no doubt that the atmosphere will be amazing.”
Rangers’ victory over tournament favourites Borussia Dortmund in the last round sent shockwaves reverberating round Europe.
Certainly the result was not missed by Dejan Stankovic’s side. But if anything it could serve to strengthen their preparations for Thursday’s first leg in Glasgow and take any hint of surprise element out of rangers’ hands.
Mladenovic reckons Rangers’ biggest threat is the pace and aggression which they used to send the Bundesliga giants tumbling.
But he's not convinced the 6-4 aggregate was quite the giantkilling it’s been billed.
He said: “The fact Rangers beat Borussia Dortmund is a great result, but it was not that Borussia, they played without Erling Haaland, it was obvious that they were in crisis.
“Rangers used every mistake of the opponent's defence and deservedly won.
“They play faster and more aggressively, the quality is indisputable.
“They have several experienced players - James Tavernier, Ryan Kent who is great on the side, Aaron Ramsey and Steven Davis.
“The match will be great. There will be a lot of offensive football that is characteristic of both teams.
“I think that there will be an active result in both games and that only the second one will decide who will be in the quarter finals.
“Rangers will certainly come to Belgrade to win.”
