John Lundstram says Rangers’ run to the Europa League final has “done wonders for Scottish football” and he has backed the team to deliver against Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday (Frankfurt 13/10, Draw 11/5, Rangers 19/10 – Match Result).
Rangers (6/5 Europa League Outright) have enjoyed a dream run in this season’s competition, seeing off the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Braga and RB Leipzig to make it through to their first European final since 2008.
Former Sheffield United midfielder Lundstram has played a key role in Rangers’ progress through to the showpiece at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium in Seville, as he scored what proved the winning goal in their semi-final victory over Leipzig.
The 28-year-old, who made the move to Ibrox last summer primarily to play in European competitions, is certainly looking forward to Wednesday’s final and he believes Rangers’ progress this season has already done wonders for Scottish football as a whole.
“To reach a final of a major competition is very special and I can’t wait for it,” he told Sky Sports. “I think we have done wonders for Scottish football in getting this far.”
Standing in the way of Rangers lifting a major European trophy for the first time in half a century are Frankfurt (4/6 Europa League Outright), who have underwhelmed in the Bundesliga this season, but have saved their best form for the Europa League.
Die Adler had already seen off Real Betis and Barcelona before winning home and away against West Ham in the semi-finals, while they are unbeaten in all 12 matches they have contested in Europe this season.
Lundstram is certainly wary of the quality that Frankfurt possess, but he is confident Rangers will be able to rise to the challenge.
“There are a couple of nerves, but excitement is the big one,” the former Everton youngster added.
“We have seen the run they’ve had in Europe this year. I don’t think they have lost a game so, it’s going to be a real tough fight for us.
“They’ve played some really exciting stuff against some of the really big teams in the competition.
“Of course, we are going to be up against it, but we are up for the challenge.”
