Alan Brazil turns unlikely Rangers defender as Ray Parlour issued Europa League reminder over 'just turn up' theory

The Arsenal legend was quick to turn to the old cliches when asked why Gers can do it in Europe but not at home

Alan Brazil has defended Rangers against Ray Parlour's claim that European sides reckon they just have to turn up and beat the Light Blues.

The Ibrox club stunned Fenerbahce with a 3-1 first leg win in their Europa League last 16 clash, leaving Jose Mourinho's side with a mountain to climb in Glasgow if they are to make the quarter-finals. Barry Ferguson insists the tie is far form over and he won't be getting carried awway, but his team have put themselves in a strong position to reach the last eight.

Brazil asked Parlour why Gers can pull of stunning results in Europe, but then falter at home against the likes of Motherwell. And the Arsenal legend trotted out the old Cup Final cliche in relation to the Steelmen, suggesting that Rangers' continental opponents see them in the same light and are surprised when they are given a real game.

But Celtic-daft Brazil broke the habit of a lifetime and defended the side from across the city. remiding Parlour that Rangers have been to to European finals within the last two decades.

Brazil: "You've got to ask yourself Ray, how can Rangers go to Turkey and get a result like that when they lose to Queen's Park and Motherwell? You've got to ask yourself why?

Parlour: "Well it's a totally different tournament. I think most teams would step up, wouldn't they? They Motherwells and teams like that. When they plays Rangers and Celtic, it's like their cup final. Where maybe, the European sides will look at Rangers and say 'yeah, maybe we've just got to turn up and beat them' and they are surprising teams like Motherwell do when they play Rangers."

Brazil: "But Ray, Rangers made a final in Manchester and Seville, didn't they?"

Parlour: "Absolutely and should have won it. Kent wasn't it, who missed a really good chance? It's a great result, but it's a situation now where Fenerbahce and Jose Mourinho, you know he's going to go there and maybe change tactics. If they get the first goal, Fenerbahce, then that might be it. But what a result last night for Rangers."