Rangers midfielder John Lundstram reveals the Everton European hero who remains his biggest inspiration

From European hero to another. John Lundstram is eternally grateful to Kevin Sheedy as he stands on the brink of European glory with Rangers.

The midfielder could now even emulate his former Everton coach by scoring in a European final victory. Lundstram has already struck the decisive goal to secure a Europa League final appointment against Eintracht Frankfurt next week. He was in the right place to lash the ball home as Rangers overcame RB Leipzig.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side are now 90 minutes away from a historic achievement. Even reaching the final has raised eyebrows across Europe. The Ibrox side have beaten the tournament favourites – Borossia Dortmund then Leipzig – en route.

“To be honest, it wasn’t something I ever dreamed of because I didn’t think it was something that would ever happen,” reflected Lundstram. “I was a Liverpool fan growing up but once you’re at Everton for 15 years, it becomes a massive part of your life. It meant so much to me.

“My early dream was to play in the Premier League for them. It never quite happened but I got the chance to play in the Premier League further down the line.”

Lundstram satisfied this ambition with Sheffield United. He has Sheedy to thank for fuelling his ambitions to be a professional footballer. The former Everton and Republic of Ireland midfielder is remembered for a cultured left foot. He used it to score Everton’s third goal in a 3-1 win over Rapid Vienna to secure the European Cup-Winners’ Cup in 1985.

“Kev was a massive influence on me,” recalled Lundstram. “I worked with him for two or three years. He took my game to another level.

“I think he was one of my biggest inspirations to be honest. Because it’s at an early age, in the grassroots really, when you