A LOCAL Rangers fan is on an 11,000-mile round trip to see his beloved side play in tonight's Europa League final in Spain.

Greenock-born Andy Fleming set off from his adopted home in Houston, Texas, on Monday bound for Seville, where Rangers will play Eintracht Frankfurt this evening.

The Gers superfan has spent days on planes, trains and buses to reach his final destination in time for the clash.

He made three stops along the way - visiting New York, Lisbon and Faro before finally reaching the Spanish city.

Travelling with Andy are three of his friends from the Texas True Blue Rangers Supporters Club, which Andy has been a member of since his move to the States 11 years ago.

Andy told the Tele that there had been last minute drama before he boarded his flight.

He said: "I woke up on Monday morning to a message from United Airlines saying that my flights were cancelled but luckily we managed to rebook and get out.

"As soon as Rangers qualified for the final, we celebrated in the bar we all go to in Houston and booked our flights and accommodation.

"I had to buy my tickets second-hand, which meant the prices were quite inflated.

"But expense isn't a consideration on occasions like this, you just get yourself out there.

"I always go to Ibrox or an away game any time I'm back.

"I'm hoping to see all of my friends from back home too, but I don't know if I'll manage that given the size of the crowd that's going.

"It's the first match I'll have been to since before the pandemic.

"I'm really excited, I wouldn't have missed this.

"I'm sure I'll be a bit jet lagged this time around, but the adrenaline will help stave it off."

Andy says that the supporters' club helped him quickly meet new people with similar interests when he moved out to America.

The former Greenock Academy pupil was also in Manchester for the club's last European final against Zenit St Petersburg 14 years ago.

Andy is hopeful they can go one better this time and lift the trophy tonight.

He added: "I'm cautiously confident, we've had a disappointing domestic season but we've been good in Europe.

"We'll arrive back in America from the final early on Saturday morning and then head over to our usual bar to watch the Scottish Cup final against Hearts."