Borussia Dortmund boss Marco Rose has backed Gio Reyna to impress Rangers boss Gio van Bronckhorst, as he joked he's known the American since he "s*** in his pants".
Reyna was named after dad Claudio's former teammate Van Bronckhorst, and has dinner with the family at least once a year as well as spending time at the Ibrox boss' house when he first moved to Europe.
Now the pair are set to meet on the pitch for the first time in the Europa League.
The 19-year-old is in the running for a starting spot against Rangers having made his return from injury just in time for the playoff.
Despite the strong connection between the player and Ibrox boss, Rose reckons that will all be put to one side at the Westfalenstadion.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Dortmund gaffer Rose said: "It's really cool that things like this can happen in football; being the godfather and meeting at that level now.
"I think if Gio (Reyna) plays he wants to show to his godfather, or name-giver, what he learned over the years.
"I think Van Bronckhorst already knew him when Gio (Reyna) still s*** in his pants.
"I know they meet privately every now and then, and the focus is now on being successful, but of course it's a nice story."
Van Bronckhorst is also looking forward to the unusual meeting on the pitch with the US international.
He said: "I played with his father, Claudio, and I'm very good friends with the whole family actually.
"Gio I've known from the day he was born so I have a special relationship with him as a friend but also as a player.
"He came to Holland to train with our youth academy at Feyenoord so he was in our house and we were trying to help him to be the player that he is now.
"We have always kept in contact and seen each other at least once a year. It is a special bond I have with the Reyna family and it will be special for both of us to play against each other.
"Hopefully it is a good game. The competitors that we are, we both want to win. It will be a very special moment."
