MY ACCOUNT
John Lundstram saluted his “best night by a country mile” after firing Rangers to the Europa League final after their dramatic victory over RB Leipzig on Thursday.
The midfielder was the hero as he struck the winner 10 minutes from time for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side, who prevailed 3-2 on aggregate at Ibrox.
Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, first-half goals from James Tavernier and Glen Kamara turned the tie on its head, before Christopher Nkunku squared proceedings with 20 minutes remaining.
But there was to be one late twist as Lundstram sent Ibrox into ecstasy, with his goal setting up a showdown with Eintracht Frankfurt in Seville on May 18.
“I can’t put it into words,” he told BT Sport. “I came in with a good feeling, but to actually go out and do it, I can’t put it into words.
“We’ve been through so many ups and downs this season but to come through it and reach a Europa League final, wow!
“It’s my best night by a country mile.”
Lundstram also paid tribute to Rangers’ much-loved kit man Jimmy Bell, who died on Wednesday at the age of 69.
“Words can’t describe how much Jimmy meant to everyone,” the midfielder added. “He was the bedrock of the team.
“I want to dedicate the goal tonight to him, I love him to bits.”
Skipper Tavernier added: “It’s unbelievable. A European final; it’s what you dream of.
“We’ll go there [Seville] full of confidence. Frankfurt got there for a reason, but it’s one game and we’ll fully back ourselves.
“We’re in this to win it. We want to make all the fans proud.”
Meanwhile, Van Bronckhorst was delighted with the efforts of his players, and has urged them to grasp their opportunity in the final.
“It’s very hard to find the words. It’s been an amazing night,” the head coach said.
“We said before the game we’d do everything possible. The players were fantastic. You can’t write a script better than this. We’re all very proud.
“Not many players can play European finals. It’s not for every player. Once we’re there, we need to do everything to win it. It’s remarkable.”
