Rangers expert drops ‘big’ Ibrox claim after confirmed news
Rangers “know exactly what they are in for” after their potential Champions League opponents were confirmed.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Gers defender Alan Hutton insisted the third qualifying round will be difficult to get through but is hopeful Michael Beale’s process is taking shape.
The Light Blues announced they will face either Swiss side Servette FC or Belgian side Genk in their qualifier next month.
Beale’s side will play their first match on the week of 8/9 August, less than a week after their Scottish Premiership opener against Kilmarnock.
The Gers entered the European competition at the same stage last year and suffered a 2-0 defeat to Belgian outfit Union Saint-Gilloise in the first leg before overcoming the deficit to win 3-0 in the home leg.
When asked what he made of the potential opponents, Hutton told Football Insider: “We always knew it was going to be difficult.
“It is two teams that have come second in their leagues. We saw what happened with Rangers last season against Union SG, it was a difficult tie.
“It is never going to be easy and being at home first is not ideal but to get into the Champions League they need to get through these qualifiers.
“I think they are going to be very difficult but we just hope that the process is working and are playing in a way that Michael Beale wants.
“This is the big one, they have got Kilmarnock first and then straight into it. It is going to be hard but the players know exactly what they are in for.“
In other news, Leeds United in advanced talks to sign Rangers star as 10 clubs lose out.