Annan Athletic player-manager Willie Gibson insists his side are relishing the challenge of facing Rangers at Ibrox, as the League 2 outfit prepare for a high-profile Scottish Cup fourth-round clash under the Friday night lights.
The tie has generated huge excitement around the Galabank club, with Annan selling out their ticket allocation rapidly and requesting additional briefs as supporters prepare to descend on Glasgow.
“It’s obviously been a great draw for the club,” Gibson said.
“There’s been a lot of hype. Our allocation went very quickly, and we’ve had to request more. It shows you the following that we’re going to take.
“A big occasion for the club and hopefully we go there and do ourselves proud.”
The match being broadcast live on television has only added to the sense of occasion.
“To play live on telly is a big opportunity for the boys to showcase their talent,” Gibson added.
“It’s extra finance for the club, but it’s also a massive opportunity for the players.”
Gibson is no stranger to Ibrox or to causing Rangers problems in cup competition. In 2012, he was part of the Queen of the South side that knocked Rangers out of the Challenge Cup at Ibrox.
On a dramatic night, Gibson scored for QotS and was later sent off as the match finished 2-2, before the Dumfries side triumphed 4-3 on penalties.
Just months later, Annan themselves famously stunned Rangers 2-1 at Ibrox during the Scottish Third Division campaign in 2013 – a result that remains one of the club’s most iconic victories.
More recently, Rangers were again reminded of the dangers of underestimating lower-league opposition when they exited last season’s Scottish Cup at Ibrox after a 1-0 defeat to Queen’s Park.
While Gibson was quick to stress that Rangers are a different proposition now, those past upsets underline why Annan travel with belief rather than fear.
“Rangers are definitely the overwhelming favourites,” Gibson admitted.
“Since Danny Röhl took charge, they’ve won the most points in Scotland.
“They’re playing well, winning games, and you can see their intent with the signings they’ve made.”
He also highlighted the strength in depth Rangers possess after analysing their recent win over Aberdeen.
“They could probably field another complete XI if they wanted to,” he said.
“But no matter what team they put out, it’ll be a good quality side.”
Preparation has not been ideal for Annan, with recent postponements meaning they have not played since late December.
“It’s been frustrating going into such a big game with such a long lay-off,” Gibson said.
“But we’ve trained the best we can, and tonight the pitch is perfect, so we’ll have a good session and prepare properly.”
Crucially, Annan head into the tie with a fully fit squad – a rarity earlier in the season.
“For the first time, we’ve got a full bill of health,” Gibson confirmed.
“That gives us competition for places and puts us in a much better position.”
Despite the scale of the challenge, Gibson’s message to his players is simple.
“They can’t get overwhelmed,” he said.
“Yes, it’s Rangers at Ibrox, but you’ve got to play your own game.
“We’ll ask the players to do certain things and hopefully they carry it out to the best of their ability.”