Villarreal star Pablo Fornals discusses Steven Gerrard and tells Rangers what to expect

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Fornals is set to feature for Villarreal against Rangers on Thursday night.

Villarreal midfielder Pablo Fornals has told the Daily Record that the Spanish side’s El Madrigal Stadium will be rocking when Rangers turn up to face their Group G opponents in Spain on Thursday night.

Rangers have already played eight Europa League qualifying matches this season in order to book their place in the group stages, travelling to Macedonia, Croatia, Slovenia and Russia along the way.

Steven Gerrard’s side now embark on the group stage campaign with a trip to Spain to face La Liga heavyweights Villarreal, before facing Rapid Vienna and Spartak Moscow.

Midfielder Fornals applauded Steven Gerrard and Rangers but warned the Gers that they will be on for an atmosphere they have never experienced when they step across the white line on the El Madrigal turf.

“I know Steven Gerrard is their new coach and he will want to continue the career he had as a player. He was one of the top players of his era and he has vast experience of being a winner,” Fornals said.

“Playing in the Europa League will be a new experience for me and one I’m anticipating. I will be emotional because when El Madrigal is full on a European night, it is magical. I played in it a few times in last season’s Europa League.

“The supporters come alive for European games. The atmosphere is different to how it is in La Liga. The fans remember the times when the team was reaching the later stages of European competitions. That’s what we want to bring back.”

Gerrard will be without duo Alfredo Morelos and Jon Flanagan after they were sent off in Russia during the second leg against FC Ufa, which Rangers drew 1-1 despite going down to nine men.

Kyle Lafferty is likely to start up front, while Borna Barisic is now eligible after being unavailable during the qualifying rounds. The Croatia international is expected to replace Flanagan.

Rangers will also have one eye on Sunday’s Scottish Premiership clash against Tommy Wright’s St. Johnstone, before hosting Ayr in the Scottish League Cup next week for a place in the semi-finals.