Maribor reject favourites tag against Rangers

Milanic says Slovenian football is not yet at the same level as Scotland's

Maribor are insisting that Rangers remain favourites for their Europa League play-off despite the Slovenians going into the second leg 2-1 ahead.

But coach Darko Milanic says it is not such a daunting task as it was in 2001, when Rangers won 6-1 on aggregate.

"We played them 10 years ago and it wasn't as nice as it probably will be today," he said.

"But we are not taking the role of the favourites. That belongs to Glasgow Rangers."

Milanic believes Slovenian football has advanced since that previous defeat, which came only 10 years after the country had gained its independence.

However, he thinks it still has not caught up with Scotland - despite their national team being 23rd in the latest world rankings, 22 places above Scotland.

"Slovenian football is still developing," said Milanic, who nevertheless has belief that his side can emerge from Ibrox having secured their passage to the Europa League group stage.

"It is developing very well - and not only Maribor but also the other clubs are doing fine - but it is certainly not on such a high level as Scottish football.

"But we should be confident because we won in Maribor 2-1."