THEM'S THE NO BREAKS

Cerny is used to family time and taking it easy around Christmas but knows sacrifices are needed to continue driving Gers' revival and chase for glory

- ANDY NEWPORT

VACLAV CERNY is used to his Christmas coming early back home in the Czech Republic.

But the Rangers wideman reckons the Light Blues need to be ready to work long and late if they're to survive their gruelling winter workload.

The Ibrox side have been pushed to the limit dealing with their twin duties at home and in the Europa League.

But there will been no chance to put the feet up over the festive period and into January, with Rangers set to squeeze 12 games into the space of five weeks before their next free Wednesday in February.

It's a huge change in pace for Wolfsburg loanee Cerny, who admits he's usually chilling out on the couch at home at this time of year.

The 27-year-old was born in the Bohemian town of Pribram, an hour south of Prague. There it's tradition to tuck into Christmas dinner on December 24.

This year though he was forced to wave goodbye to his loved ones during the festive frivolities as he joined the rest of Philippe Clement's team to finalise preparations for today's trip to St Mirren.

But he knows that sacrifice will all be worth it if Rangers can deliver a gift of three points to the punters heading to Paisley.

The former Ajax ace said: "It's a nice period because this will be the first time I have played over Christmas and I'm looking forward to it.

"During my 10 years in Holland there was always a winter break and I enjoyed it in the Czech Republic too.