NEIL MCCANN has urged Rangers players to set the tone against Union Saint-Gilloise tonight as he insisted a "smash tackle" could lift the Ibrox crowd.
The former Rangers midfielder demanded a much-improved performance from last week's 2-0 loss in Belgium.
And McCann reckons that starts by setting the tone for the match from kick-off with a high tempo and threat going forward - and possibly a "smash tackle".
Speaking on Rangers TV, McCann recalled fierce challenges in matches during his time at Ibrox and suggested they help amp up the crowd and players alike.
The pundit explained: "When we went into European nights and even league matches the tone was set by - and I know it sounds really old fashioned because the game has changed - a good smash tackle.
"That can come from Kent smashing the full-back, leaving one on him early because the chances are you're not going to get a yellow card, well maybe now.
"It just lifts the crowd to think the players are at it."
Fellow pundit in the Rangers TV studio Craig Moore then joked he enjoyed a strong challenge during his playing days with McCann quick to agree.
McCann added: "I know you liked them, in training on me never mind in games!"
