Union SG star hopes Rangers feel the loss of Super Eagles duo in crucial Champions League qualifier

The Belgian minnows and the Scottish giants meet over two legs within the third spherical of the continental competitors

Union Saint Gilloise defender Christian Burgess believes the departure of Nigerian stars Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey from Glasgow Rangers have weakened the Ibrox giants.

Rangers and Union Saint Gilloise have been paired collectively within the third qualifying spherical of the UEFA Champions League.

Europa League finalists final season, Rangers are the overwhelming favourites in opposition to the inexperienced Belgian facet.

After years of mediocre showings within the decrease leagues, Union SG completed second within the Belgian high division final season to make it to Europe’s premier membership competitors.

Former Portsmouth ace Christian Burgess admits Les Unionistes should battle exhausting to beat the 2021 Scottish Premiership champions.

However the 30-year-old is satisfied that, within the absence of Aribo and Bassey, Rangers aren’t as sturdy as they as soon as have been.

The 2 Tremendous Eagles stars have been the Gers’ heroes on the continent final time period. Whereas Aribo scored within the Europa League closing defeat to Frankfurt, Bassey was named the man-of-the-match.

Each have departed the Ibrox Stadium, nevertheless. Aribo left for Southampton, whereas Bassey accomplished a report transfer to Ajax Amsterdam.

Burgess hopes the absence of the 2 Nigerians will give Union SG an opportunity in opposition to their illustrious opponents on Tuesday evening.

“Ideally, dropping these guys may disrupt Rangers’ rhythm,” the 30-year-old defender advised File Sport. “I performed in opposition to Aribo when he was at Charlton, simply earlier than he moved to Rangers, and he was a very good participant even then.

“Clearly, Bassey has gone too so there was a little bit of disruption the place final season’s facet is anxious. It’s just like our personal state of affairs. When a workforce does so properly it attracts quite a lot of consideration and you find yourself having your finest gamers cherry picked.

“We have now simply misplaced Casper Nielsen who was one among our greatest gamers final season so we’re coping with the identical type of points. That was a giant blow to us as we have been hoping he would keep round a bit longer.

“I do know what it’s like whenever you lose a key participant and another person has to step up into that place and fill their boots. It’s actually robust for that particular person to assimilate themselves shortly. In order that’s going to be a problem for Rangers.”

Union SG host the primary leg of their tie in opposition to Rangers on the King Energy at Den Dreef Stadion, Heverlee.

The return leg comes up subsequent week in Glasgow.