Sparta Prague hitman Jan Kuchta insists only an inspired Jack Butland prevented them from beating Rangers in the Europa League.

The Ibrox side claimed a respectable goalless draw in the Czech Republic although they had to rely on their keeper making a string of fine saves in the first half in particular.

Czech international striker Kutcha was guilty of missing chances too and he's expecting an intense atmosphere at Ibrox in the return game having previously only witnessed an empty stadium having played there when he was at rivals Slavia Prague in the infamous Europa League tie in 2021 where former Rangers star Glen Kamara was racially abused.

He said: "The feeling after that is disappointment. When you get to this stage, you play teams who have high-quality players and have goalkeepers in the team to make saves.

"Unfortunately for us, the Rangers keeper made a lot of good saves. But we also have to take our share of the blame for poor finishing. We actually hit a few shots straight at him.

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"At least we created chances though. Rangers had one clear chance towards the end when we had a lapse and also we opened the game because if you want to win the game, you have to take risks.

"I expect a similar game in Glasgow. I played at Ibrox Stadium when there were no fans there. It will be a stormy atmosphere.

"But we have to deal with it if we want to progress. We believe we are going in the right direction and will get enough points to advance."

And Kuchta was also impressed with Rangers' former Slavia Prague star Abdallah Sima.

He said: "I enjoyed seeing him. He also made progress at Rangers and he is finally healthy and fully fit.

"He has done well with Rangers by scoring goals and making assists. He is an intelligent player."