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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Gabriel McKay

Red Star make key Rangers switch-up ahead of Europa League return as Dejan Stankovic insists he won't rest stars

Dejan Stankovic has revealed Red Star top-scorer Aleksandar Katai has been taken off penalties following his miss at Ibrox.

The striker had the chance to make it 2-1 in the Europa League first leg against Rangers but saw his spot kick saved in stunning style by Allan McGregor.

Katai has 23 goals in 30 games this season but he and his team-mates have been poor from 12 yards.

Red Star have scored just half of their penalties this term as they prepare to face Metalac on Monday afternoon.

And following Katai's miss in Glasgow, January signing Ohi Omoijuanfo will be handed the responsibility from now on.

Stankovic said ahead of the match: "Ohi will take penalties now for sure.

(SNS Group)

"It's a serious hindrance if you're only scoring 50 per cent of spot kicks, you can imagine what the statistical impact of that is.

"I hope our players will be calmer in future, they should step forward calmly and score. So Ohi will probably be taking our penalties now."

Monday's match is against struggling Metalac but Stankovic won't be rotating his team ahead of the return against Rangers.

A win would take Red Star level with arch-rivals Partizan at the top of the table and the former Inter and Lazio midfielder says his main men are all ready to go.

Stankovic explained: "None of the players asked for a break, the guys are ready and look good. They are worn out, but it's all regulated.

"We rested well and prepared the game well, so there are no absences and we're happy about that.

"We have the strength to impose our rhythm.

"We will do our best, whether it will be in the 15th, 25th or 17th minute, it is important for us to keep the relationship we had in the previous couple of games, that rhythm, and to return home with three points."

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