Rangers 'scared' of Sparta Prague as former Hearts keeper reveals Steven Gerrard 'trigger' change

Former Hearts keeper Zdenek Zlamal reckons Rangers were ‘scared’ of Sparta Prague and the Czech pundit insists they are beatable.

The sides played out a Europa League stalemate in Prague to leave both on four points. Real Betis’ narrow victory over Aris Limassol in Cyprus put them top of the group on six, with Sparta visiting Ibrox on 9 November in a game that could go some way to determining who goes through.

Former Tynecastle stopper Zlamal was analysing the clash on TV in his homeland and wasn't overly impressed by Philippe Clement’s side. They improved after the break and leaving the Czech capital with a share of the spoils was a decent outcome when you consider their shaky first half display. But Zlamal was convinced that one Sparta goal would have opened the floodgates, but conceded Gers did up their levels after the break. "They are clearly better, Rangers are scared," said Zlamal.

"At the same time, I expected that he (Sparta coach Brian Priske) would have more points now. Rangers were definitely beatable. In the group, it will be a fight until the end."

"After the change of sides, the guests were better, more active. It's a different team, when I asked the guys who played under Steven Gerrard, he was often the trigger for aggressive football. Gerrard was old school about emphasis."