Rangers somehow managed to make it through to the last 16 of the Europa League with Philippe Clement defying the odds against a difficult draw.
Only two teams from the eight fixtures that the Ibrox outfit played didn’t make it through with some of the teams above them like Lazio, Athletic Club, Man Utd and Spurs only playing two between them – and that was the “Battle of Britain” encounters.
One of the issues that the manager faced was juggling a squad with injuries and players who would have played but for other circumstances with Rangers confirming who has made the cut for the next group of games.
Rangers to learn last 16 fate in Europa League draw
The last 16 fixtures take place on 6th and 13th March with Rangers facing one of Anderlecht, Fenerbahce, Twente or Bodo/Glimt.
The draw will be made on 21st February when the pathway to the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final will also become clear.
Clement already knows that Spurs and Man Utd can’t be seen again until the semi-finals, neither can Eintracht Frankfurt or Lyon.
What Rangers fans should be keeping an eye on, is the teams who could win the Europa League but who are in with a chance of qualifying for the Champions League in their domestic leagues.
Instead of playing in the second qualifying round of the Champions League next season, Rangers could be bumped up to the third where the safety net of the Europa League comes into play – should the worst come to the worst.
Rangers name Europa League squad
Rabbi Matondo was already absent from the squad, however, Kieran Dowell and Neraysho Kasanwirjo won’t be available for the rest of the season which made their removal an easy one to make.
The harder decision would be to remove Oscar Cortes although his troubles with injury will see him concentrate on getting fit for domestic action.
In terms of additions, Ianis Hagi and Danilo were always going to be obvious ones to make given what they add to the team in the attacking third either from the start or off the bench.
Clinton Nsiala has impressed hugely since being introduced to the first team and he deserves the chance to experience the Europa League having missed out towards the end of the league phase.
This is the full Rangers Europa League squad:
- Goalkeepers – Jack Butland, Liam Kelly, Lewis Budinauckis
- Defenders – James Tavernier, Ridvan Yilmaz, Jefte, Dujon Sterling, Robin Propper, John Souttar, Leon Balogun, Clinton Nsiala
- Midfielders – Nicolas Raskin, Connor Barron, Mohamed Diomande, Bailey Rice, Nedim Bajrami
- Forwards – Danilo, Cyriel Dessers, Hamza Igamane, Vaclav Cerny, Ianis Hagi
