BBC Sport - Football - Valencia star Pablo Hernandez in awe of Allan McGregor (original) (raw)

Spanish star Hernandez will return to Glasgow to face Rangers at Ibrox

Valencia's Spanish international winger Pablo Hernandez says he and his team-mates will have to beat a world-class goalkeeper to overcome Rangers.

Hernandez was part of the Spain team that eventually beat Scotland 3-2 last week, despite a man-of-the-match performance by Allan McGregor.

And Hernandez expects McGregor to be on similar form at Ibrox on Wednesday.

"He made some amazing saves, it was a fantastic performance," Hernandez told BBC Scotland.

The former Getafe winger added: "Certainly had it not been for him we would have scored a few more goals on Tuesday.

"But obviously he was one of a few Rangers players playing for Scotland and who have been playing at that level and at European level for some time, so it's going to be a very difficult match.

"It could be pretty similar to the game between Scotland and Spain, in the sense that they'll be more physical and will battle hard, while we may have more possession.

	The fans at Hampden made an unbelievable noise and I'm certain the Rangers supporters will do the same. Scottish fans really get behind the team Valencia winger Pablo Hernandez

"But, in any case, it'll be interesting to come up against these players again."

Hernandez was also impressed by the way Davie Weir handled the world champions at Hampden, despite having turned 40.

"He's older, but there's obviously a reason for him still playing at that level. The demands of football - at international level and Champions League - couldn't be higher and he showed that he can still perform well."

And the Spanish international will warn his Valencia team-mates of the type of atmosphere they can expect at Ibrox.

"The fans at Hampden made an unbelievable noise and I'm certain the Rangers supporters will do the same. Scottish fans really get behind the team, but that's something we'll appreciate."

Rangers share top billing with Manchester United in Group C, with four points, while the Spaniards are a point behind after a comfortable win over Bursaspor in Turkey and a 1-0 home defeat to Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

Valencia warmed up for their trip to Ibrox with a 2-1 defeat at Barcelona.

Hernandez opened the scoring at the Nou Camp but a stirring second half comeback from the hosts saw the visitors slip from first to third place in La Liga.