Brave soldiers are fighting to protect our homes.. we want a win for them

Kyiv boss in Euro war pledge

- SCOTT MCDERMOTT

THERE is a potential £40million up for grabs if you qualify for the Champions League group stage.

Along with the prestige of eight glamour ties against the top club sides in Europe.

But for Dynamo Kyiv boss Oleksandr Shovkovskyi, it’s about much more than all that.

The Ukrainians take on Rangers in the first leg of their third round qualifying tie in Lublin tonight.

Shovkovskyi’s team have been forced to play their games in Poland due to the ongoing conflict in their homeland.

And while that’s still the case, he insists everything they achieve isn’t just for Dynamo supporters – it’s for an entire nation.

Shovkovskyi admits Russia’s invasion of Ukraine almost three years ago has fostered a strength and resilience that is helping them on the pitch. So while the financial rewards of getting to the Champions League might be lucrative, seeing off Rangers to reach the play-offs is about personal pride for the Ukrainians.

And giving the people of their war-torn country something to smile about.