As Rangers get ready to take on Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership, Ross McCausland acknowledged that it is “massive” for them to be back at Ibrox.
The Gers announced the reopening of the Copland Rear on X [26 September], and on Sunday [29 September], they will celebrate their 125th anniversary at Ibrox with a full stadium for the first time this season.
McCausland, who scored a goal in the 2-0 Europa League victory over Malmo, was clearly aware of the moment when he talked to the Daily Record on September 29 about the enormous influence Ibrox can have on the Gers, who have only just returned home after beginning the season at Hampden Park.
“It will be incredible to see everyone there, full and eager to go,” he remarked. Being at home instead of Hampden made a huge difference against Dundee last week.
Returning to Ibrox will undoubtedly be one of our main priorities for the remainder of the season. It goes without saying that we have attended cup matches at Hampden in the past, and the atmosphere is usually excellent.
However, the league games are difficult, particularly because of the fans’ travel expenses. It will be amazing to be back at Ibrox because I understand that.
At Ibrox, the Rangers can rise to prominence once more.
Rangers’ current state is far from ideal; a victory over Hibernian on Sunday would reduce the five-point deficit between them and Celtic at the top of the SPFL, and Aberdeen has suddenly emerged as a real contender after an unbeaten start to the campaign.
Although Philippe Clement made progress in the Europa League to alleviate the disappointment of being eliminated from the Champions League, progress to the knockout stages is far from assured given the challenging matches that face them against Manchester United and Tottenham south of the border.
Fans of Rangers will be left wondering “what if?” following their team’s Champions League loss to Dynamo Kyiv at Hampden Park. Many will feel that, following the first leg’s stalemate, a rematch at Ibrox would have produced a far better outcome.
Following his midweek exploits in Europe, McCausland ought to be back in the starting lineup. It appears that Clement is getting closer to deciding on his best lineup for Ibrox as he attempts to turn around his team’s performance.
A fully packed Ibrox with its legendary atmosphere will give the Light Blues a psychological advantage again, and it is maybe more valuable than any player when Rangers officially open their season on Sunday, looking to bounce back from a dismal start.
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