"In the States it is nothing like over here in terms of the
full crowd singing and yelling. But I like crowds because
whether they are for you or against you, they keep you
focused on the game.
"It was a hostile atmosphere in the game against Leeds, one
I had heard about but never experienced. Yet it was good for
us. They kept us going, and I am sure it will get the juices
going again for this game with Rangers.
"The Stuttgart result has put us under pressure. We didn't
want to take a loss. There is pressure now, and we are going
to have to raise our game to a different level (than against
Leeds). I think we would all agree with that.
"Every time you play Leeds it is a battle; you know it is
not going to be easy, because it is a big game for them and
us. If took 80 minutes to get the breakthrough. But we were
prepared to work that hard, and I feel tonight could be a
similar sort of game.
"We can't afford to relax - because against Stuttgart we
went into the locker room at half-time comfortable, but
instead of coming out and fighting we let it slip a little
bit. We will have to go into it tonight and prove ourselves
again.”
Asked if Scottish football is seen as `Mickey Mouse', Howard
said: "Well, maybe - but Rangers certainly are not seen as
Mickey Mouse.
"They rate along with Celtic as one of the biggest clubs in
the world. They go along with River (Plate), Boca (Juniors),
ourselves and Arsenal."