Group D - Rangers v Sturm Graz

Sturm Graz coach Ivica Osim has urged his side to refrain from worshipping at "the temple of football" against Rangers tonight…

Sturm Graz coach Ivica Osim has urged his side to refrain from worshipping at "the temple of football" against Rangers tonight.

Osim is praying his side are not feeling the pace of a hectic start to the Austrian campaign.

"It is difficult to say whether we are ready for the Champions League or not," said Osim.

"We have had four very difficult domestic games, international matches in between and the Champions League games.

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"I feel that there is a good attitude here in Glasgow, and it is special for us to come here.

"Regardless of the team we are playing, we have got to respect Rangers. Ibrox is a temple of football," he said yesterday.

Osim recognises Rangers have struggled defensively since the start of the Scottish season.

But the Sturm Graz coach maintains his side must first get near enough to the penalty area to exacerbate those problems for his opposite number Advocaat.

"I am aware of the problems Rangers do have in their defence at the moment. But my problem is getting to the defence," said Osim.

Sturm Graz president Hannes Kartnig is confident his side can qualify for the secondround stage after home wins over Marseille and Dinamo Zagreb last season before their poor away record where they lost all three games, including a trip to Manchester United.

"We have matured in the last few years. Our only concern is injuries, but we feel that we will do well," said Kartnig.