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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Liam Bryce

Martin O'Neill sends Rangers a Europa League Final message shaped by his own Celtic heartbreak

Celtic legend Martin O'Neill has delivered a simple Seville message to Rangers – "don't spurn it".

The former Parkhead boss admits he's still never watched his team's 2003 UEFA Cup Final heartbreak.

That famous run to Seville retains a special place in the hearts of Celtic fans but O'Neill can't look back on the defeat to Jose Mourinho's Porto with any fondness.

And with Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side set to contest the Europa League Final with Eintracht Frankfurt in the very same city on Wednesday, O'Neill insists Rangers must ensure they do not return to Scotland with any regrets.

"You mention Shaun Maloney not watching it back and I'm absolutely the same," the Irishman said on BBC Sportsound. "I can't watch it back, never have done.

"I've seen little snippets, maybe adding up to about four or five minutes of the 120 that were played.

"Of course, it'd be totally different had we won. And despite the fact a lot fans still say it was a terrific year, we didn't actually win anything and Seville was just a phenomenal journey culminating then.

"But for us, as professionals, we didn't win the competition and, therefore, there's no point in going there unless you win it.

"Despite the fact Porto went to win the Champions League the following year with essentially the same team, it doesn't make it feel any better, to tell you the truth.

"But in terms of this opportunity for players, if such a thing as advice it's 'don't spurn it'.

"Go out to win. You have to win because there's no point getting that distance unless you do it."

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