Graham Alexander calls for Rangers support from all Scottish sides as he makes 'bigger picture' Europa League case

Motherwell manager Graham Alexander insists all of Scottish football should throw their support behind Rangers as they bid to reach the Europa League Final.

Alexander is well aware tribal loyalties within football means that won’t be the case when Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s charges line up against RB Leipzig in their semi-final clash.

But the Well boss is adamant that Rangers Euro run is beneficial for the whole of Scottish football as it shines a positive light on the game.

Motherwell agreed to bring their Premiership clash with Rangers forward by 24 hours in order to give the Ibrox outfit more time to prepare for Thursday’s semi-final first leg in Germany.

Alexander revealed he and chief executive Alan Burrows took into consideration the bigger picture of Scottish football as they agreed to the switch.

And believes Rangers progression in continental competition is massive for the Scottish game.

Asked if everyone should get behind Rangers and hope they progress to the final, Alexander said: “I understand the tribal side of it, but for the bigger picture of Scottish football - which is what Alan Burrows and I discussed last week - for us as a club, because we’re part of it, for the co-efficient in the league, it’s a better scenario.

“The only issue I had was that it took so long to make the decision from the initial conversations but when we discussed the reasons why it was hard to have a counter-argument. It was all common sense.

“For five Scottish clubs to be playing in Europe next season is brilliant.

“It certainly adds to the competition within the SPFL. The prizes are right there. It would be a real feel good factor.

“You have to win some games and you’re not just making up the numbers but it puts the