On the first anniversary of Sir Walter Smith’s passing (we expect a posthumous knighthood for him in the honours list) Rangers travel to Naples in slim hope rather than any hint of expectation, with many fans hoping the team can do Walter’s memory justice by picking something up in Italy.

The club confirmed today a statue has been commissioned of the late great man, in one of the rare occasions we can agree on the board’s actions, but the poor soul would be absolutely turning in his grave at the performances and results he’s seeing from his team.

It is on Gio and the squad to somehow salvage pride here, travelling to the mighty Napoli to try to bring something home in a manner that would make him proud, because Rangers fans have had precious little to cheer about in this tournament so far.

Indeed, Scotty Arfield’s belting goal v Liverpool is about the only highlight, and while no one would pretend that Walter’s teams, 92 and 2008 aside, were ever spectacular in Europe, they always fought and tried their hardest up against much better sides.

This is not something we can accuse the current crop of, with both away performances especially being beyond timid.

Walter definitely would expect much better than this, and on the first anniversary of his departure, it really does fit that the team must produce far better in Italy.

Do we expect a win?

No. Let’s not be silly. A draw? Very, very slim chance with the threadbare squad we have. But we must see fight. We must see the team working its backsides off to make it hard for the hosts.

Walter’s teams knew how to graft, how to defy their limitations and still get massive results. And even Gio’s team could do this last year in our stellar European adventure. But something got lost, didn’t it?

Too many players went into their shell, got sold, got injured, and now we’re a shadow of our previous European selves.

So on this day, the team must go to Naples and prove it’s not a totally busted flush.

Bring something home, Rangers.