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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Aidan Smith

Manuel Pellegrini reveals third-choice Real Betis keeper could start vs Rangers

Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini has revealed that he may be forced to field a third-choice goalkeeper against Rangers at Ibrox tomorrow.

The La Liga outfit are facing somewhat of an injury crisis heading into their Europa League group C opener in Glasgow.

No.1 goalkeeper Rui Silva was ruled out of the clash after coming off injured during the weekend's league 5-0 hammering against Barcelona.

Back-up stopper Claudio Bravo will now undergo a late fitness test to see whether he can take his place between the sticks, but if he fails to to pull through, youngster Fran Vieites could be thrown into action. 

Pellegrini said: “Bravo has trained and we will see if he can play tomorrow. 

“I hope he will be 100 percent to play this game but I cannot say for certain.

“I’m not concerned if he doesn't play as we have a young goalkeeper we trust a lot. 

“I’m not concerned about last weekend either. We wouldn't be comfortable if we had won 5-0 either.

“All we are worried about is the next game against Rangers.”

On the atmosphere he is expecting at Ibrox, Pellegrini added: “I was here in 2006 and we managed to reach the semi final of the Champions League that season.

“That experience helps. We also played Celtic a couple of years ago and while we didn't win we still qualified from the group.

“I think I have a good idea of what Scottish football is about. It is about passion, direct football, fighting for every goal, trying to go box to box as quickly as you can.

“The intensity is something we must consider tomorrow.  

“I had the chance to be here as a manager before and I also came to watch an Old Firm game as a coach. It is great football with great fans.”

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