EXCITEMENT is building towards Rangers’ blockbuster Europa League clash with Manchester United on Thursday night.

And Ally McCoist had a rather cheeky request for Gers skipper James Tavernier ahead of the game!

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The Light Blues head south for the huge Battle of Britain clash sitting in a strong position.

Philippe Clement‘s side are eighth in the Europa League table, just a place behind United.

The top eight teams will advance to the round of 16 proper, with teams ranked ninth to 24th heading for a prior play-off round.

Regardless, Rangers are in a strong position to go on and secure knockout football with just two games remaining.

First up, it’s Old Trafford in a game with plenty of intrigue.

Man Utd are in crisis mode, with boss Ruben Amorim admitting his side might be the WORST in the club’s history.

While the Gers have been inconsistent domestically, they’re unbeaten away from home in Europe this season and the might just fancy their chances of an almighty scalp.

Captain James Tavernier joined Ally McCoist and Jeff Stelling on the talkSPORT Breakfast Show to preview the game.

He revealed the Gers are excited about the game and are heading into it hopeful of getting a famous victory.

Tavernier said: “You’ve got to fancy yourself against anybody. Obviously they’re going through a difficult patch at the minute, so yeah, we were obviously going to work on what we believe they’re going to be setting themselves up to do against us.

“Work really hard in the next couple of days and put that game plan into the game and hopefully we can get that win.”

While Tavernier will be on the pitch, Ibrox great McCoist will be in the commentary box at Old Trafford.

But although his attendance is confirmed, the Gers icon still had a cheeky request for the Light Blues captain!

Tavernier began responding to a question about the Rangers fans, saying: “The lucky ones will get tickets. I believe there’s going to be a lot of people…”

McCoist then interrupted, telling Tavernier: “I’m needing two off of you by the way!”

Tavernier, laughing, replied: “Maybe you’re a bit too late now!”

McCoist, doubling down, responded: “You think I’m joking – I’m not joking!”

Attention turned back onto the game itself, with McCoist asking Tavernier about Rangers’ impressive European away form.

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The Light Blues have beaten Malmo and Nice on the road this season, as well as securing an impressive draw in Greece against Olympiacos.

It’s a contrast to Rangers’ domestic away form which has left a lot to be desired.

Tavernier said: “Obviously, the other teams have a lot more possession. It’s more of an open game. Defensively, we’ve been really doing well when it comes to that.

“Obviously, the transitions we’ve been really effective.

“But yeah, it’s obviously different compared to domestic, we’ve just really taken it within our stride to take advantage of the teams that are expected maybe to beat us, we’re maybe going into games as underdogs and we really are performing.”

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