Make no mistake, Dynamo Kiev are fully aware of the challenge that faces them when Rangers arrive at the Arena Lublin on Tuesday.
With a place in the Champions League group-stages on the line, Philippe Clement’s side begin their qualification campaign at the third round against the Ukrainian outfit on Polish soil.
And Dynamo’s head coach Oleksandr Shovkovskiy is in no doubt about what he feels are the strengths of this Rangers side.
In short, it is in the wide areas where the legendary former goalkeeper feels the tie could be won or lost.
Rangers may be without Oscar Cortes – the Colombian picking up another injury during the 0-0 draw with Hearts on Saturday – but the Glasgow giants will still make the trip with Rabbi Matondo, Scott Wright, Ross McCausland and new arrival Vaclav Cerny battling for a starting berth on the wings.
Clement confirmed at his own press conference that Cerny, having impressed off the bench at Tynecastle, could make his full Gers debut in Poland.
Rangers face Dynamo Kiev in Champions League qualifier
“The last 10 years have been difficult for Rangers. But the club has managed to rise again, play in the top division, play in the Champions League, win trophies in Scotland. Now, they are on the way to returning to the traditions of their club,” Shovkovskiy tells the official Dynamo Kiev YouTube channel.
“They have a group of players who play very well in the final stages. They have good attackers and very good wingers. The team is experienced, ambitious, very fast.
“Of course, the team we are going to play against has a great history. We are very much looking forward to this battle, so that two different football cultures can meet.
“For our part, we will try to show our best qualities.”
Mykola Shaparenko, Dynamo’s Ukraine international, also spoke about the size of the challenge facing his side, via Sport UA.
The midfielder shares his manager’s view that Rangers’ biggest threat is likely to come through their speed in the final third.
“We expect a very powerful game. We saw video reviews of the matches. They play a powerful game, very fast counter attacks. The coaching staff pointed out their (style) to us,” Shaparenko explains.
“Now, everything depends on us, because we are the ones playing on the field.
“Both England and Scotland are at about the same level of football. There is a lot of fighting there and we need to be ready to fight, not be afraid, and, of course, impose our game. The one we want to see.
“We don’t care how our opponent plays. We should only care about our own game, motivation. We will strive only for victory in tomorrow’s match.”
Robin Propper and Vaclav Cerny reunion on the cards
Rangers, interestingly, could face up against Red Bull Salzburg or FC Twente if they can find a way past Dynamo Kiev.
Should Twente fight off the Austrian giants, there could be a reunion with Clement and the striker he sold earlier this summer. Sam Lammers sealed a permanent move to Enschede after a superb loan spell at Utrecht.
Former Twente captain Robin Propper and ex-talisman Vaclav Cerny are also now plying their trade at Ibrox, and could soon find themselves returning to familiar surroundings.
