Dunfermline Athletic have targeted a loan deal for Rangers 19-year-old Mason Munn as head coach Neil Lennon seeks goalkeeper competition. (Record), external
Newcastle United are expected to choose Nottingham Forest chief football officer Ross Wilson as their preferred candidate to be their new sporting director, a role the Scot previously had with Rangers. (The Athletic - subscription required), external
Alasdair Lamont
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator
A new era began at Ibrox on Tuesday night, Rangers supporters along with the club's new owners getting the first glimpse of Russell Martin's team in competitive action.
Three summer signings were handed their debuts from the start - Max Aarons in an unfamiliar left-back role, on-loan Wolves centre-back Nasser Djiga partnering John Souttar, and Joe Rothwell sitting at the base of midfield.
Martin said beforehand he expected to learn how far the squad had come in the four weeks he's had to work with them and, more importantly, how much they still had to do.
Without question, despite a positive outcome in the Champions League qualifier first leg, significant improvement will be required to make this Rangers team the finished article.
The new manager demands a style of football based on keeping possession but as we saw with his Southampton team at the start of last season in the Premier League, that can cause some nervy moments at the back.
Djiga in particular looked uncomfortable at times trying to play out and only a mixture of good goalkeeping and poor finishing kept Rangers' clean sheet intact.
That said, there was cause for positivity and when Rangers did manage to play round the Panathinaikos press, they looked impressive, not least when another debutant, Djeidi Gassama, came off the bench to finish a lightning break with the second goal.
Rangers fans would have wanted at least one more to make the second leg more comfortable, but perhaps that would have been greedy and certainly an unfair reflection of a game in which the Greeks looked menacing, at least until they went down to 10 men.
The tie is far from over and Martin will look to use the next seven days to drill into the players further what he is looking for from them, with a friendly against Middlesbrough on Saturday to help bed in how he wants his side to play.
But the performances of Jack Butland, John Souttar, Rothwell and Nico Raskin as well as the fabulous goals from Findlay Curtis and Gassama have helped put Rangers in a promising position as they seek to advance in the competition.
We asked for your views after Russell Martin began his Rangers reign with a 2-0 win against Panathinaikos in the first leg of their Champions League second-round qualifier.
Here's what some of you said:
Fraser: Wow. I did not expect that and to quote the old cliche it was a game of two halves. We should have been two or three nil down at half-time, but for the brilliance of Jack Butland, he was my man of the match. Fingers crossed for next week.
Alan: The first half was not great and we rode our luck, but we improved in the second half. The new signings looked decent on first impressions.
Ross: We don't like it easy, do we? Good win, eventually, I'm hoping for a repeat in Athens next time out.
John: What a memorable moment for 18-year-old Findlay Curtis, the youngest player in the team. Absolutely superb. What a result!
David: First half was "behind the sofa" stuff but what a turnaround, helped by the Greeks going down to 10 men and completely losing their shape. The spaces we just couldn't find before started to appear and what a confidence boost the first goal gave us. We looked really good for the rest of the game. Russell Martin's possession-based game was evident and very easy on the eye. A lot of areas still to improve but very encouraging for the first game.
Harry: Good start, we can get better when we are able to play all the players.
Sally: It is very early days and the performance, despite the goals, was poor. The tactics in the first half with Nicolas Raskin slotting in to a left-back role was questionable. The improvement when Raskin reverted to his normal role was noticeable. Curtis did himself no harm and earned his spot in the team.
Martin Watt
BBC Sport Scotland
Image source, SNSWhen Rangers came under siege in the first half against Panathinaikos, Jack Butland stood strong.
The goalkeeper began the Russell Martin era in imposing fashion, keeping the Greeks at bay as Rangers roused themselves after the break to cleave out a 2-0 lead to take to Greece for next week's second leg of the Champions League qualifier.
Having ended last season in the wilderness under interim boss Barry Ferguson after being displaced as first choice by Liam Kelly, has the arrival of Russell Martin revitalised Butland's Ibrox career?
The early signs are promising. The former England number one made four saves - three of them diving stops - against Panathinaikos and was also aided by the post as Nemanja Maksimovic wasted a gilt-edged early chance.
All Butland's saves came from shots inside the box, highlighting his sharp reflexes, as he kept a clean sheet in Martin's managerial bow despite the visitors registering an xG (expected goals) of 1.65.
Martin praised the "outstanding" keeper's impact, saying: "We needed Jack a couple of times, big moments in the first half, he made a couple of brilliant saves," and vowed Rangers "will improve" in the second leg.
Martin's imprint was clear in the first-leg victory with Rangers having 75% possession and making a total of 708 passes compared to Panathinaikos' 217.
But the Greeks showed far greater threat in the opening half - and ended the game with a higher xG and more touches in the opposition box than Rangers - and there remains "lots to work on" as Martin himself put it.
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Rangers striker Steven Thompson: Rangers have put themselves in a great position but it's not over yet. European football is difficult and Panathinaikos will feel they have something to prove.
I think the stadium will help Rangers next week. Its not Panathinaikos' home ground, its the national stadium, so there will lots of empty seats and maybe not the intimidating atmosphere the Greek side would want.
The result is perfect.
Maybe it doesn't tell the full story of the match. Until the sending off, Panathinaikos were well in the game.
Jack Butland was dropped last season for high profile mistakes but he came back into the team with some crucial saves.
Former Rangers striker Peter Lovenkrands: Had it not been for Butland, we'd be talking about a different game. He kept them in the game in the first half.
He's the man of the match for me and deserves the credit, he put Rangers in the position to go and do what they did.
Today he delivered a top performance. He was great.
Former Rangers assistant manager Neil McCann:A much better second 45 minutes.
The red card changes everything, it hands all the advantage and ball possession to Rangers.
You can see Russell Martin is trying to implement a style of play. There has been a lot to like in the second half.
Having been on Rangers' radar this summer, 24-year-old Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Carl Rushworth is to join Coventry City on a season-long loan. (Daily Record), external
Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Image source, SNSRangers head coach Russell Martin: "We expected it to be tough, they are a really good team
"We had some uncomfortable moments in the first half
"We were far from the finished article. But the players showed character and a willingness to fight and to run for each other. And, as the game went on, started to look after the ball better.
On bringing Jack Butland back into the team he adds: "We're asking everyone to be judged afresh really. He's an outstanding goalkeeper, capable of some big moments.
On next week's visit to Athens, he added: "We have to approach it with the same mentality and the same willingness to run and more.
Asked if he enjoyed his first competitive game in the Ibrox dugout, he said: "It was intense. The crowd were incredible, so I'm really grateful. Hopefully they are looking ahead to an exciting season for their team."
Image source, SNSJack Butland was called into action for some big first-half saves
Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland told Premier Sports: "[It was a] very important one [performance], a lot made of what it could have been, but hopefully we've shown the fans some things they can expect from us," he said.
"It was really important for the tie, and for our season, to get off to a good start this season.
"The good things, in a way, was that our mistakes led to it [their chances], so we could look at it and rectify it, we learned from them too and thankfully, you can make some saves, and John Souttar made a big block too.
"We're getting to where we want to be, and a 2-0 win is a big start.
"We go there to win the game now, not to hold on."
First goalscorer Findlay Curtis added: "Playing in a Champions League qualifier for this club is massive.
"It's a good halfway point to take the tie to Greece now."
Russell Martin made a winning start as Rangers head coach as stunning goals from Findlay Curtis and debutant Djeidi Gassama gave the Ibrox side victory over Panathinaikos in the first leg of their Champions League second-round qualifier.
The home side rode their luck in the first half and had goalkeeper Jack Butland to thank for producing some big saves to keep the Greek side out.
Curtis' wonderful second-half strike changed the dynamic and, after Giorgos Vagiannidis was sent off for the visitors, Gassama climbed off the bench to score a cracker of his own to double Rangers' lead.
Were you at Ibrox or watching at home? How do you think Russell Martin's first competitive game in charge went?
With the return leg taking place in Athens next week, what are you hoping happens there? What improvements need to be made?
Image source, SNSBarry Ferguson has handed the reigns at Rangers to Russell Martin
Barry Ferguson lost his job to Russell Martin but thinks the former Scotland defender will prove to be "a very good appointment" as Rangers head coach.
Former Ibrox captain Ferguson ended the season in interim charge, but the Scottish Premiership club's new owners turned to the former Southampton boss instead.
"If you watch the way his teams play, I think the Rangers fans will enjoy his approach to it, Ferguson told Go Radio.
"I spoke to him a few weeks ago and was very impressed by him and I'll get right behind him."
In his time in charge, Ferguson was unable to narrow the gap to Celtic at the top of the table that led to the dismissal of Philippe Clement in February but also led his side to the Europa League quarter-finals.
Ferguson was not willing to go as far as assistant Billy Dodds, who told BBC Scotland that he believed only 30% of the Rangers squad was good enough for the club.
"I just think the squad needed a bit of help - a bit of experience - and Russell realises that," he said.
"When I went in there, the guys were brilliant to work with and gave everything for me and that's all you can ask for. There's definitely a lot of good players there."
Ferguson picked out the summer acquisition of midfielder Joe Rothwell from Bournemouth as significant.
"Joe Rothwell is an experienced campaigner, he is a very good player who has played at a good level," he said. "Some of the signings I've been impressed by and I think they'll do a very good job for Rangers."
Martin makes his competitive debut as Rangers boss at home to Panathinaikos in Champions League qualifying on Tuesday.
"It is going to be a tough tie," Ferguson predicted. "It was probably the team in the draw you would have like to have avoided.
"But, listen, Rangers are at home and I am sure the fans will get right behind Russell Martin. It's all about getting a result and making sure they go to Greece next week with a victory under their belt."
We asked for your views on Rangers potential opponents in Europe, should they progress past Panathinaikos.
Here's what some of you said:
George: Getting a bit sick of all the negativity here. Let's get behind the team. We can win against the Greeks and the next tie should hold no fears
David: The luck of the draw. Importance of getting past the Greeks has just increased significantly as in the next Champions League round the draw has been kind, unlike Europa League. Honestly don't know what to expect tomorrow night. Hopefully not a step too far too soon.
Brian: This season's European adventure is a side show and a distraction to what happens domestically which is far more important. Win the treble and create a team that dominates in Scotland and then go forward into Europe the following season. The reputation of the club and, for the sake of the supporters, this season depends entirely on success at home and not on any European jolly.
Sue: I look at those potential opponents and have no sense of confidence in achieving anything against them. The team that Russell Martin is creating is a leap into the unknown as to how they will play together, it could be a joy to behold or a nightmare unfolding before our very eyes. All tough European fixtures lie ahead but I'm more concerned about what happens at Fir Park on 2 August and then beyond.
Fraser: Europe is a distraction for us, we are still not strong enough for a run in all competitions. We must focus on winning the league first and foremost. Panathinaikos will be a stern test for this new team, can't see us beating them over two legs.
Ross: Three upcoming games?! Oh dear, couldn't have wished for worse. In all seriousness, Europa League football probably suits us better. On the off chance we get through, we'll be annihilated by the big guns and sent home instantly.
Clive Lindsay
BBC Sport Scotland
Image source, SNSRussell Martin takes charge of his first European game on Tuesday night
Panathinaikos have never lost to Scottish opponents in seven matches, although - after beating Aberdeen in the group stage - it was Rangers who progressed in the 2008 Europa League round of 32 on away goals after a 1-1 drawgoalless game at Ibrox was followed by a 1-1 draw in Athens.
Five years earlier, they also drew 1-1 in Athens but won 3-1 at Ibrox in the Champions League group stage, while their most recent meeting with a Scottish club in qualifying was a 5-0 defeat of Motherwell in 2011.
Portuguese head coach Rui Vitoria, appointed in October, won seven trophies with Benfica, led Al-Nassr to the 2020 African Champions League semi-finals, while Spartak Moscow won their Europa League group ahead of Leiceister City and Napoli while he was in charge.
Former Liverpool youth midfielder Pedro Chirivella, the Spaniard signed from Nantes, is one of three summer purchases along with left-back Giorgos Kyriakopoulos, who left Monza after their relegation from Serie A.
Midfielder Manolis Siopis, signed from Cardiff City in January, is another of their five Greece internationals, while they have nine others capped for their countries.
Among them are Uruguay winger Facundo Pellistri, who played a handful of games during four years with Manchester United, one time Southampton loanee midfielder Filip Duricic and United States centre-back Erik Palmer-Brown, once of Manchester City.
Whether Rangers, in the early stages of rebuilding under new head coach Russell Martin, beat the Greeks to progress to the Champions League third qualifying round or drop to its Europa League equivalent, teams with similar recent European pedigree await.
In the top tournament, it is Viktoria Plzen of the Czech Republic or Servette of Switzerland, while Besiktas of Turkey or Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine are arguably more formidable opponents in the Europa equivalent.
Even if Rangers do reach the Champions League play-offs, Benfica, Brann, Club Brugge, Nice, or Salzburg will still need to be overcome.
Image source, SNSPanathinaikos boss Rui Vitoria insists his side are ready for Ibrox on Tuesday night, despite a scant knowledge of Rangers.
The Greek side arrived in Glasgow for the first leg of the Champions League second round qualifier with the return leg taking place in Athens next week.
Tuesday's match will be Russell Martin's first competitive game in charge of the Glasgow club and also the first time he's managed in a European tie.
The new boss will have the option of seven new recruits and opposition manager Vitoria admits it's been difficult to prepare with the lack of information on Martin's side.
"Yes, it has been a challenge for me because I didn't see almost any games," the Panathinaikos boss said.
"They have only played one friendly match against [Club] Brugge, which was open. The rest were closed so it was very difficult for us to have a lot of information, so this makes our job and my job as a trainer a bit more difficult.
"But we are ready, we are ready.
"Of course, we don't know the other team as normal, but I don't cry because of that.
"I go and face the opponent and let's go and let's fight and put everything on the pitch.
"He's a new coach and new ideas, so of course, it will be different football than previously here.
"We tried to catch the information that we need, but, of course, we are in the beginning of the season. We don't know the details of the other team. Maybe the coach from Rangers has more information about us than us about them.
"It will be the first time I'll play against a team from Scotland. Of course it's a football I appreciate and I appreciate the evolution the football has had in the last years with the good ideas.
"The atmosphere is always fantastic and the fans want to be on the pitch.
"But when we go to the pitch we only focus on the first 11 of the team."
Lille have been scared off by Rangers' £15m price tag for Hamza Igamane, but Feyenoord are considering shattering their own transfer record for the 22-year-old forward while Rennes are ready to come to the table too. (Daily Record), external
Rennes could turn to Hamza Igamane as a replacement for Kyogo Furuhashi, the former Celtic striker sold to Birmingham City, after Lille agreed terms with the Rangers forward but made no official bid. (Scottish Sun), external
Lille are still negotiating a fee for Hamza Igamane after agreeing personal terms with the forward, but Rangers want £20m and Everton, Rennes, Feyenoord, Udinese and Borussia Monchengladbach have now entered the race. (Kora Maroc), external
Hamza Igamane's transfer from Rangers to Lille is almost complete with just final details over a medical and contract to be sorted - and with the forward keen on the move. (Moroccan Grinta), external
Rangers have pulled out of a deal to sign Owen Beck after the Glasgow club wanted to pay a fee of £7m including add-ons for the 22-year-old left-back while Liverpool were holding out for a deal closer to £10m and he is now in talks to sign for Derby County on loan. (Daveockop), external
Derby County have agreed a deal to sign Liverpool left-back Owen Beck on loan for the season and the Wales Under-21 international is expected to undergo a medical later this week. (John Percy on X), external
Aris Limassol have approached Rangers over a loan deal for Ross McCausland, with Basel, Leuven and Cincinnati having also expressed an interest in the 22-year-old winger this summer. (Sky Sports), external
Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Image source, SNSHamza Igamane is not fit to start for Rangers against Panathinaikos on Tuesday
Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSThere may have been changes at Rangers this summer but one constant during the close season and indeed each of the past 10 years has been James Tavernier.
The Rangers captain has retained the armband under new head coach Russell Martin and addressed the media before Tuesday's season-opening Champions League second qualifying round first leg at home to Panathinaikos.
The Ibrox side and the Greek outfit are competing to face either Viktoria Plzen or Servette in the next round. Defeat would mean a Europa League third qualifying round meeting with Besiktas or Shakhtar Donetsk.
"Obviously, our objective is to get the win. It's a fresh start for the club," Tavernier said.
"We're already excited to get behind it. It's a new season and we obviously want to push ourselves to the very end.
"[Tuesday] night's the most important game of our season so far. It's our first game. We've got to take really take real advantage of being at Ibrox with our fans and try to take a good result going over to play in the second leg. We know it's going to be a hot one over there in the second leg.
"They're going to be a tough test. It's the first competitive have of our season. From the very first whistle, we need to put our stamp on the game. You have to set a tone, you have to set a tone in every single game."
Image source, SNSRussell Martin believes Rangers will "take some stopping" if they can create synergy between players and supporters.
On the eve of his first game in charge as head coach - against Panathinaikos in the second round of Champions League qualifying - Martin stressed the need to make fans "excited" in the first game of the season.
"Every day I wake up and I'm honoured to be in this position," the former Ibrox defender said. "I feel extremely grateful for it. I'm excited by it and I will give it absolutely everything I've got. We all will.
"That's what this club, the people, the supporters demand - those who will outstay all of us. I just want to put a team on the pitch that they are proud of.
"It has to start (on Tuesday). They have to see something to be excited about and we do too. The players have to feel something it and it's an amazing opportunity and game to do that.
"What we've seen in training has been amazing. They've come with fresh energy, willingness and openness to new ideas, demands - to maybe different rules to what they've had before - and they've been great the way they've embraced it.
"Now the biggest challenge is for them to do it in front of 50,000 people with a game that means so much to so many people. For any football player, that's the biggest test.
"One thing that has to come out is that the supporters leave feeling positively about their team, their new-look team, the way it's going to start to shape up.
"I hope that the fans will leave feeling excited about what's to come and there will start being a real connection, because I think if we can be connected - the whole club, Ibrox, the supporters - if this club has that, with that energy, I think it's going to take some stopping. I think it's really powerful.
"We have to all believe in something and that will be how much the players are willing to win, the hunger, the character, the desire to show and I'm confident that we'll see that."
Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSHead coach Russell Martin had been talking to the media before the first leg of Rangers' Champions League second round qualifying tie with Panathinaikos.
Here are some of the key things he said:
Martin is looking forward to a night of "learning" at Ibrox as he sees his side in a competitive match for the first time.
He stressed it's not a season-defining game and Rangers "will be defined by what we do between now and May".
He did concede, though, that "it's a big game" and "a huge part in setting the tone" for the season.
The head coach is expecting a "tough challenge" from the Greek side. "They have some real strengths, but so do we."
In looking for a positive result, Martin says the fans "have to leave feeling positive about their team, their new look and the way it is going to start to shape up".
The head coach confirmed Dessers, Igamane and Gassama are not fit enough to play 90 minutes, but will feature. Aasgaard is not fit.
