Derek McInnes is heading to Poland this week for his first European fixture as Rangers boss, and he's taking a trip down memory lane to a time when a hat-trick from Ally McCoist saved the day in a sweltering Russian cauldron.
Back in 1996, as a player, McInnes was part of a Rangers side that faced a key Champions League qualifier against Alania Vladikavkaz. This week, the new Ibrox boss faces a Europa League baptism of fire against Jagiellonia Bialystok, with temperatures set to hit 32 degrees at kick-off.
Pressure? What Pressure?
McInnes recalled the intimidating atmosphere in Russia, where security guards were posted on every hotel level and the team took their own chefs and duvets. "It was so bad, with security guards posted on all the hotel levels. We took our own chefs and duvets. Before going into the game there were fireworks going off, it was a really intimidating atmosphere," he said.
When Vladikavkaz pulled one back early, the place went wild, but McCoist responded with a hat-trick after 29 minutes. McInnes remembered: "I remember him putting the ball back down for the kick-off after his third and he said, 'PRESSURE … AFF!'"
A Special Ibrox Moment
The 7-2 win in the second leg was a mad score, but for McInnes, scoring his first ever Gers goal in the first leg was a personal highlight. "I didn't score many goals so it was a nice moment," he said.
Now, as he prepares for Thursday's tie in Bialystok, McInnes is aware of the need to restore Rangers to former glories. "It's a big game in terms of being able to qualify for the group stages and these games can come at you early," he said. "I want us to be a bit of everything, I want us to have a strong run in Europe because the benefits are there, both financially and from an exposure point of view for the club."
