Erik Bo Anderson Warns Gers

[ian1964 10,409]

Exclusive by Andrew Dickson

 

ERIK BO ANDERSEN believes the way has been paved for Rangers to take a place in the Champions League - but has warned them not to underestimate Aalborg.

 

Bruce Rioch, manager of Aalborg BKThe striker played for the Danish side before leaving them for Ibrox in a �£1.5million transfer in February 1996.

 

Although the 37-year-old is now working in politics rather than football, he has continued to monitor the progress AaB have made in recent times.

 

The Jutland club, which appointed Bruce Rioch as its new manager in the summer, won the league by nine points from FC Midtjylland last season.

 

Despite that win, Andersen thinks Walter Smith's Gers will have too much for them if they get past Kaunas and into the third qualifying round of the Champions League.

 

Of course, Bosnian outfit Modrica could yet beat AaB to the final preliminary stage if they can overturn the 5-0 defeat they suffered in midweek this Wednesday.

 

But it is almost certain the Superligaen outfit will progress, giving Rangers a potential chance to take on a team from Denmark competitively for the fourth time.

 

Although Andersen is sure the Scots would then advance to the group stage, he has stressed it won't be easy for them to get so far.Thomas Augustinussen of Aalborg BK

 

Aalborg beat Sampdoria on away goals last season to reach the group phase of the UEFA Cup then drew with Anderlecht and only lost by a single goal to Spurs and Getafe.

 

Andersen said: "This is a good draw for Rangers. They will be the favourites if the teams meet, there is no doubt about that.

 

"If the teams played each other 10 times, there is no way Aalborg would win at least five of those matches.

 

"At the same time, it would be stupid to think this will be a walkover for Rangers because Aalborg have a good side.

 

"Collectively, they are a team that works hard with no real superstars in it and that is their big quality.

 

"On their day, they can compete with a lot of big sides. They were unlucky to lose at Tottenham last season and with a bit of luck, could have had a better result there.

 

"Aalborg also went through on away goals against Sampdoria after drawing 2-2 with them in Italy to get to the group stage.

 

"If they are on form, they are a hard team to beat. I would still expect Rangers to see off Aalborg but they will have to work hard if they are to win overall."

 

Jeppe Curth of Aalborg BKAndersen has picked out forward Jeppe Curth as the man Gers need to be wary of if they find themselves pitched against the Danes.

 

The 24-year-old was the leading scorer in his country's league last season and he is someone Smith will want his men to snuff out.

 

Andersen added: "Curth is a good striker. He is not the tallest but he is a dangerous player. I think he scored 15 or 16 times last season and has shown a lot of potential.

 

"He went abroad to play for Feyenoord when he was quite young but is back in Denmark now and is making good progress.

 

"In midfield, Thomas Augustinussen is one of Aalborg's best players too. He is very tall and creates a lot of things. He holds the team together very well."