Rangers star Filip Helander has accused some Premiership teams of being long ball merchants who try to 'ruin games' - but he admits he's enjoying his Ibrox start.

The Swedish international has become a key part of Steven Gerrard's table-toppers since his £3.5million move from Bologna in the summer.

Helander is preparing for his side's Euro 2020 qualifiers against Malta and Spain, although he's a major doubt for the games with a foot injury which kept him out of Rangers' win over Hamilton Accies at the weekend.

Rangers' Filip Helander ruled out of Sweden Euro 2020 qualifier with foot injury

And Helander, in an interview in his homeland, admitted he's relishing the challenge of playing in Scottish football.

He said: "I did my pre-season a little later than anyone else and wasn't playing much in the beginning, but now it's good and it's fun to be playing for a team who win a lot of matches and who are top of the table.

"I've enjoyed it. It's a different type of game compared to Italy.

"Scottish football and Italian football both fit my style quite well. It's very physical in Scotland. 

"There's really a lot of long balls and our opponents are a lot worse than us. They try to ruin games, but you learn from that too.

"Steven Gerrard is a very good coach and he was a player I had great respect for and watched a lot. I think he's clearly a very tactically-capable coach too."

Johan Mjallby praises Rangers' Filip Helander and says he's perfect fit for Scottish football

And Helander is hoping he can shrug off his foot knock for Sweden's vital qualifiers.

He said: "I have had problems on and off with my foot since last spring, but it actually feels okay just now.

"I had a good rest over the summer, but I've had a lot of matches recently and it's not really healed, but I feel in good shape anyway.

"We play Malta first and it's a match where we should be taking three points. We won't underestimate Malta, but we know we must win and we are a better team than them."