Lyon star Corentin Tolisso has shrugged off claims Rangers will be underdogs in Thursday night's Europa League showdown.

The French midfielder has instead suggested he is expecting a tight affair in Glasgow.

World Cup winner Tolisso, 30, is anticipating a hard-fought matchup at Ibrox as he delivered a "50-50" verdict when quizzed on the favourites for the league phase match.

“I think Rangers were in pot one, like us," said the former Bayern Munich midfielder. “I’d say it’s 50-50. I wouldn’t say Rangers are the underdogs by any means.

“We’re both big teams, playing at the same level.

“We both made a good start in our campaigns but this week Rangers will have home advantage.

“Like us, they’ve not had the perfect start to the season but we’re improving and we want a big win."

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Tolisso previously played for Bayern in Glasgow against Celtic and is relishing the opportunity to play in front of a capacity Ibrox crowd this time round in European competition.

“The last time I played in Europe with Lyon it was against Ajax," he said. "I know we lost that time but I remember the atmosphere being amazing in the home and the away leg.

“When I was at Bayern as well I got to experience a lot of European nights.

“I remember we played against Celtic. I had a chance to come to Glasgow and experience the atmosphere and I know it’s similar at Rangers.

“I’m glad to be back here and playing in this kind of atmosphere.”