Rangers can now turn their sights to Athletic Bilbao and the Europa League quarter finals in what promises to be an enthralling tie at Ibrox.
Rangers navigated a tricky Europa League League Phase fixture list to finish 8th on the final day under Philippe Clement.
Barry Ferguson then masterminded victory over Fenerbahce in Turkey whilst Jack Butland was the hero at Ibrox in a memorable penalty shoot-out in Glasgow.
But with Athletic Bilbao lying in wait, Rangers’ record v Spanish clubs is abysmal and now the Gers will have to do battle in the first leg without two key players.
John Souttar ‘couldn’t care less’ about Athletic ban – on one condition
After picking up yellow cards against Fenerbahce in Glasgow, John Souttar and Mohamed Diomande will miss the first leg against Athletic Bilbao at Ibrox.
Rangers know they will need to take something to fight for to Spain and without their defensive marshal in particular, Athletic will pose an almighty attacking threat.
Nico Williams is being tracked by Europe’s elite and will pose a real threat, whilst the Spaniards could also have top scorer Oihan Sancet back in their team for the game.
The absence of John Souttar could prove monumental for Rangers but – whilst frustrated – the defender ‘couldn’t care less’ so long as the team get the job done.
Speaking before the clash with Hibs, Souttar explained: “I’m suspended for Thursday so it’ll be a hard watch for me. But it’s not about me, it’s about the team, so if I don’t play and we win I couldn’t care less.”
John Souttar makes Rangers contract admission
John Souttar has revealed that contract talks with Rangers have been parked until the uncertainty at the top of the club is resolved.
Rangers are hunting a sporting director whilst the club is also in the midst of a much-publicised US takeover.
There is uncertainty over who will be Rangers manager next season and Souttar has explained that any contract talks have been placed on the ‘back burner’ until the end of the season.
“To be honest, I’ve not spoken about that for a while,” Souttar said when asked about the talks.
“There has been loads of changes at the club so that situation has gone on the back-burner.
“I’ve not spoken to anyone about it for a while.
“I’m just concentrating on my football and let others deal with what they have to deal with. Hopefully it then gets resolved.
“There is so much going on at the club just now. I’m sure that when there is some stability that’ll get sorted.”
