Glenn Hoddle gives instant reaction as Rangers draw Royal Antwerp in Europa League

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Glenn Hoddle has told BT Sport (Monday, 12.50pm) that he expects Rangers to knock Belgian side Royal Antwerp out of the Europa League after the Scottish side drew the Belgians – following qualification from the group stage.

Rangers continued their excellent work in Europe under Steven Gerrard by finishing top of their group – despite facing Benfica home and away. Four wins over Lech Poznan and Standard Liege, and two Benfica draws, saw Rangers finish with 14 points.

The Gers are in stunning form, sitting 13 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership table and remaining unbeaten after 27 league and cup outings. They now face the test of Antwerp, with the first leg to be played in Belgium in February.

Hoddle gave his reaction to Gerrard’s men facing a side that beat Tottenham Hotspur in the group stage – though it was a much-changed Spurs team. The Spurs legend and former England manager has backed Rangers to beat Antwerp.

“He [Gerrard] could be happy, there were tougher draws,” Hoddle said, when asked about Rangers’ draw. “It will be a tricky test, but they should just get past Antwerp. 27 games unbeaten, wow. Absolutely fasntastic. Will they be unbeaten by Feb? Steven has got them playing well, full of confidence, I think they will get through.”

TBR’s view – Rangers should be delighted with Antwerp draw

Although Spurs did lose to Antwerp, Jose Mourinho made nine changes for the match – with only goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and defender Ben Davies starting both the 1-0 win over Burnley and the defeat in Belgium.

Rangers, at full strength and boasting the confidence they are currently showing, should prove no match for Antwerp especially if fans return to Ibrox beforehand. It gives Rangers a real chance of qualifying for the last 16.