Pieter Huistra says if Gio van Bronckhorst can lead Rangers to a European final it will make up for losing the title to Celtic.
And he’s claimed it’s near impossible for a Scottish club to do both.
The former Dutch winger, who spent five years at Ibrox, has been impressed by the job his countryman has done since replacing Steven Gerrard as gaffer.
If Rangers can overturn a 1-0 deficit against German side RB Leipzig on Thursday night, they’ll reach the Europa League Final in Seville on May 18.
However, if they lose the last Old Firm derby of the Premiership season today, they’ll relinquish their crown as champions to Celtic.
But Huistra believes it’s special for any club to reach a Euro final so if van Bronckhorst can get there, it will compensate for losing the league to Ange Postecoglou ’s men.
He told Mailsport : “It’s always special for any Scottish club, if you get this far.
“It’s almost impossible to reach a European final AND win the domestic league.
“Because to get that far in Europe, you have to point your energy in a certain direction.
“You see it everywhere, even at the real top clubs, they always have difficult games after a European night.
“That’s part of being a top club, having to find that consistency in the league as well.
“If Gio can get to a European final, it would certainly make up for coming up short in the league.
“It’s rare for any coach to achieve that.
“But getting to a final isn’t enough. You have to win it to make it really special.
“You must get there first, so hopefully they take that step on Thursday.”
