Van Bronckhorst aware of Dundee United threat as Rangers aim to continue form

Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst is expecting a difficult match away at Dundee United on Sunday but is confident his side can take three points.

The Ibrox side travel to Tannadice on the back of a huge win over Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League and are looking to keep their form intact before the German side arrive in Scotland for Thursday’s second leg.

Van Bronckhorst has his focus solely on Premiership duties though, and says it won’t be easy against a United side that has proved a tough opponent this season.

“It’s a team at a ground that can be very difficult,” he said. “The first game we played there this season we lost and they gave us a tough challenge the last time we met them at Ibrox.

“We know it’s going to be difficult, we have to make sure we keep putting the effort and energy into games that we’ve done lately and then I think we have a big chance of getting a result.

“We have to work hard and be strong as a unit so I’m really confident we can extend our form on Sunday as well.”

Fashion Sakala, Kemar Roofe and Jon McLaughlin could return to the Rangers squad after being left out of the squad for the win over Dortmund in Germany for unspecified reasons. Filip Helander is also available for the game.

Van Bronckhorst said he will have to carefully manage the fitness of Ryan Jack, who has recently returned after a long-term absence, but said that the Scotland international had been in important player in recent matches.

“He’s done really well in the games he’s played but he’s also had issues with his injuries,” the Dutchman said.

“I’m happy for him but also for me as a coach to have him back in the squad.

“If you see his performances in the games in the last few weeks, he’s been really good and strong and his central partnership with John (Lundstram) is important for the balance in the team so I’m really happy with their performances.

“They’re part of the team and in the last games, we’ve played really good football with a really good balance and recognise what’s needed in the moments in games, if we need to high press or stay as a block.

“So I’m really happy at the moment, with where the team is.

“For me, as a manager, it’s really important to keep the momentum and keep them working hard.

“There’s no time for slip-ups, we have to be focused and I think, at the moment, we really are.”