ERIK SVIATCHENKO has backed Brazilian kid Evander to be the main threat to Rangers’ European dreams - because he reminds him of former Parkhead team-mates Patrick Roberts and Stuart Armstrong.

The Dane will lead Midtjylland into their third qualifying round tie with Steven Gerrard’s side at the MCH Arena this evening.

It will be the toughest task yet for the Light Blues after their comfortable victories against St Joseph’s and Progres Niederkorn in recent weeks.

Boss Gerrard won’t take the threat of the hosts lightly and Sviatchenko believes Brazil youth international Evander is ready to shine on the continent.

Sviatchenko said: “He is a huge talent. He has been a really important player for us since he came to the club.

“In the last few games, he has come through with some important goals and late goals.

“I am urging him to be at his best tomorrow and I think he will be, because what he has been showing in the Danish league has been at a really high level. I expect the best from him.

“In terms of comparing him to players I knew from Celtic, I think there is a kind of Patrick Roberts/Stuart Armstrong mix within him in some ways.

“He is quick enough and has an amazing run with the ball. His shot is really powerful and the vision in his game is different to what you might normally see in a talent of his age.

“He will definitely thrive on this occasion. He comes from a really big club in Brazil, Vasco de Gama, where he had the No.10. He has come here and worn the same number at a club that wants to be at it its best. He has coped fine with all the expectation so far.”

Sviatchenko returned to Midtjylland after two-and-a-half years in Scottish football.

He won five major honours during his time with Celtic and believes his former Old Firm rivals have made significant progress under Gerrard’s guidance over the last year.

He said: “They are a different team - and a better one as well.

“They have different players, a new manager and a new structure and everything about them is set up in a different way.

“When we played them I thought there was a big gap and I would still say there is a gap from last season too with the points difference at the end of the season.

“However, Rangers proved in the two games they won against Celtic they are a good side and that’s why we also look upon this game as a difficult one.”