Rangers

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• After their 1-0 defeat to Genk, Rangers could start a European campaign with two successive defeats for the sixth time, after 1963-64 (European Cup), 1996-97 (Champions League), 1997-98 (Uefa Cup), 2021-22 (Europa League), and 2022-23 (Champions League).

• Rangers have played Strum Graz twice before in European competition, winning one and losing one in the first group stage of the 2000-01 Champions League.

• Rangers have won five of their seven European games against Austrian sides (L2), although four of those victories came in Glasgow.

• Strum Graz have won each of their past three home European outings, last enjoying a longer run between July and October 2000 (five wins).

• Rangers have lost just two of their past nine away games in major European competitions (W4 D3), scoring two or more goals in each of these victories.

Thomas Duncan
BBC Sport Scotland in Graz

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Jurgen Samuel's Sturm Graz clinched a second consecutive Austrian Bundesliga title last season, ending a decade of RB Salzburg dominance, while playing in the Champions League.

They struggled in Europe's elite competition, only beating RB Leipzig and Bojan Miovski's Girona 1-0 while losing their other six games and finishing 30th out of 36 teams.

Like Rangers, they were humbled in the play-off round this season as they sought to return to the big time, losing 6-2 on aggregate to Bodo/Glimt after a 5-0 drubbing in Norway.

Their squad looks weaker than last season too, with top scorer and former Motherwell loanee Mika Biereth departing for Monaco in January after netting 14 goals in half a season, while striker William Boving was also sold to Mainz before the summer deadline.

Scotland right-back Max Johnston, who played 65 times and won three trophies in his two seasons in Austria, joined Derby County.

Their key threat is Georgia international Otar Kiteishvili, who plays at the tip of Sturm's midfield diamond.

The playmaker grabbed 13 goals last season and has five so far this campaign, despite missing some time through injury and, more recently, personal reasons.

Kiteishvili was a doubt for this tie because he was back in Georgia but is set to be available again in a crucial game for Graz after they lost their opener 2-0 away to Hibernian's qualifying conquerors, Midtjylland.

Graz are currently two points behind Rapid Vienna, a side Dundee United took to penalties in the Conference League and one of two teams they have lost to domestically this season, as they seek a third title in a row.

Read more: Should Rangers fear Sturm in Europa League?

Thomas Duncan
BBC Sport Scotland in Graz

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Rangers midfielder Connor Barron says he is ready to start games regularly after having to be "patient" at the start of the season.

The 23-year-old has started the last three Premiership games but before that was mainly on the bench.

Barron is now in line to play against Sturm Graz on Thursday in the Europa League and believes he is more settled in Russell Martin's team.

"I've obviously had to be patient," Barron said. "At the start of the season I wasn't playing as much as I would have liked to.

"It's a competitive team, competitive for places which is good. I think when I've come on I've done well.

"It's about me stamping myself into the team and make sure I stay there. The more games you get the more settled you are.

"I'm in a good place at the moment and I just need to keep that up."

Rangers striker Josh Gentles is confident he can score goals for Raith Rovers – and press his case for future first-team chances at Ibrox - after the on-loan 18-year-old made his debut for the Championship club as a substitute in their 3-0 win over Arbroath. (The Courier), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Thomas Duncan
BBC Sport Scotland in Graz

Rangers head coach Russell Martin says Thursday's Europa League tie against Sturm Graz is a chance to have a "brilliant night" after grabbing a first league win of the season.

The club shook off a disappointing defeat by Genk in the Europa League opener at Ibrox to snatch their maiden league triumph late on against Livington.

It was just Rangers' fifth victory of a difficult campaign and they are yet to win consecutive matches under the former Southampton boss.

"I'm looking forward to it, especially off the back of a good feeling in the group after Sunday," Martin said.

"I believe it's been a good week. We had a difficult evening last Thursday because we had a man sent off for a long period of time, so that wasn't easy, but they stuck together through that.

"Beat Hibs, played well, played better against Livingston, especially in the first half. Should have scored a few more goals.

"And then showed a lot of character and dug in together and showed a lot of spirit, a lot of fight and willingness to run. That's really increased over the last three or four weeks, that feeling of spirit in the group. So I've enjoyed that.

"I'm looking forward to seeing what they put on the pitch tomorrow."

Thomas Duncan
BBC Sport Scotland in Graz

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Head coach Russell Martin has been speaking to the media after Rangers arrived in Austria to play Sturm Graz in their second Europa League tie.

Here are the main points from Martin's press conference:

• Martin is not sure whether some of the criticism directed at him is over the top, but wished some fans "enjoyed the team winning" against Livingston for the sake of the players, rather than turning their criticism towards him.

• He says some of the most difficult parts of the fans' criticism has been watching children alongside their parents swearing at him.

• However, the Rangers boss stressed plenty of others have been supportive and fans are just desperate to see success.

• The hammering by Club Brugge "amplified" the criticism and the team "have not brought it back" since, however Martin feels the squad are now "starting to get back into the flow" and says the spirit and energy have increased in the last three or four games.

• Martin acknowledges the appointment of sporting director Kevin Thelwell's son, Robbie, as head of recruitment might not be popular with everyone, but says the club "needs change" and he is confident in the leadership at Ibrox.

• Ranger, who have no fresh injury concerns, have come to Graz to win and will not set up to avoid defeat.

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Strum Graz manager Jurgen Samuel believes Rangers should expect their players to step up performances after the "serious" investment in the squad.

The Ibrox side have had an alarming start to the season with five losses in all competitions and only one win so far in the Scottish Premiership, despite spending £20m on rebuilding the squad.

But as supporters remain frustrated, Samuel insists it will take time for Russell Martin to find his feet at Ibrox.

Speaking prior to the Europa League tie against Rangers at the Merkur Arena on Thursday, he said: "There have been a lot of new players coming into the team.

"They have spent a serious amount of money on the squad and it is to be expected that when a new coach comes in it will take a bit of time.

"I think there is a big difference between facing them in the league and facing them in Europe, for example when they faced Panathinaikos they were able to get a convincing win.

"In the league their results haven't been as impressive but I watched their game against Livingston and they could have scored four or five goals.

"They have a lot of individual quality in the squad and when a new manager comes in, teams often require those players to step up with the individual quality they have.

"If you look at the players they have brought into the team, they have over 250 Premier League appearances within that squad.

"They will definitely compete at a good level in Europe but my squad, my team, our club, we competed in the Champions League last season so we have a lot of belief.

"There is a lot possible for us in this competition playing at our stadium and we are excited about that."

Alasdair Lamont
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

To suggest the victory over Livingston was a much-needed one would be to greatly underplay the enormity of that result for Russell Martin and the club as a whole.

There really is no second-guessing the new Rangers owners so it may be too much to state that Max Aarons' late strike kept Martin in a job, but like the League Cup win over Hibs the previous weekend, it does allow him to point to small green shoots in what has been a desert-like landscape in the opening weeks of the season.

Rangers were good at times in the first half and but for a lack of ruthlessness and some good goalkeeping could have been out of sight by the interval.

But a malaise seemed to set in in the second period and Livingston were good value for their equaliser when it came. To be fair, Rangers, as disjointed as they looked among a variety of personnel and tactical changes, kept at it and showed character, something that has been distinctly lacking, to get that first league victory.

If the chants from the away support were anything to go by, it did little to persuade the Rangers fans that maybe, just maybe, this could be the start of an unlikely turnaround.

A win away to Sturm Graz might help persuade some of the naysayers, but few would bet on that outcome. The performance at home to Genk, even before Mo Diomande's ridiculous red card, was feeble, despite Martin's assertion that some of his players performed well.

At the very least, his side need to produce a good display in Austria and make a real game of it and then produce another league victory, by hook or by crook, away to Falkirk before the international break.

Anything less and some big decisions might have to be taken before Dundee United go to Ibrox in a fortnight's time.

Livingston first team coach Marvin Bartley revealed "there was a bit of an argument" between the dugouts during Sunday's defeat by Rangers. (Clyde 1 via Sun, external)

Former Rangers defender Arthur Numan is still upset about the red card he received when the Ibrox side lost to Sturm Graz in 2000, with the sides facing each other again in Austria this week. (Record), external

Forward Josh Gentles, 18, is confident he can score goals on loan at Raith Rovers and press his case for game time at parent club Rangers. (Courier - subscription required), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish gossip

Jamie Currie
Fan writer

Finally, we have a league win after six matches. But in true Rangers fashion we made it so hard for ourselves.

Going into Sunday's game at Livingston, especially after the poor display against Genk in the Europa League, I genuinely didn't see us winning it.

However, once we got into the match after the first 15 minutes or so, while the football was still slow and there were too many passes around the back, we played some decent football at times.

Connor Barron at six and Nico Raskin as the right number eight were very good. They helped get the ball quickly to the wingers, who were often left one v one.

The first goal was evidence of that and who else but James Tavernier being in the middle of the goal to finish it.

We should have been three up at half-time. Bojan Miovski was clean through but missed a chance you expect him to score nine times out of 10. And we were left cursing our luck when Tavernier's penalty was saved by the impressive Jerome Prior.

Russell Martin suggested the first half was the best domestic performance since he took over and the stats back that up as we created three clear-cut chances. Yes, it's still not a lot but it's a little improvement nonetheless.

The second half was like we were in a daze. We didn't start well and were punished. Yet again John Souttar was caught under a cross into our box, and Mo Sylla was left free to equalise.

But here is the thing with Martin. He's hellbent on his philosophy, but when things go wrong he is like me when I play Football Manager - throw on attackers in the hope something leads to a goal. Luckily for us, Max Aarons showed the finish of a striker and won the game in stoppage time.

However, this must be a turning point for this group of players.

Do I believe in Martin and his methods? No. But Rangers must keep winning. I keep saying it; it's all that matters.

Sturm Graz on Thursday should be a good chance to atone for Genk, and then we have Falkirk. Two wins will do. Try to go into the international break on a high.

We all need something to get behind because the results, performances and negativity up to now has been justified but exhausting.

Celtic and Rangers have been offered Pierre Ekwah, with the former Sunderland midfielder claiming to have had his contract cancelled at St Etienne. (Inside Futbol), external

Cypriot side Aris are on track to trigger the permanent signing of Ross McCausland by January after three goals in three games for the on-loan Rangers winger. (Daily Record), external

Rangers defender Clinton Nsiala , yet to be named in a first-team squad this season, posts the message "still here" on social media. (Daily Record), external

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Former Celtic striker Cillian Sheridan says Rangers find themselves in a "strange situation" after fans hurled abuse at head coach Russell Martin straight after scoring a last-minute winner.

Substitute Max Aarons found the net in the 94th minute to secure the Ibrox side's first Premiership win of the season against newly-promoted Livingston.

Despite the victory, Rangers supporters remain deeply frustrated by the start to the season and unconvinced by Martin's management.

"It's a probably a weird feeling for a lot of fans, where they're going to games and even scoring a winner and the first thing they're doing is shouting at the manager," Sheridan told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"You score a last-minute winner, everyone's cheering and celebrating, then suddenly realising that this means he [Martin] has bought himself more time.

"I feel fans are going to games half hoping to lose so there is heaps more pressure and the board ends up having no other option.

"It's a strange situation looking in from the outside."

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Max Aarons says scoring Rangers' late winner against Livingston was a dream moment for him.

The English full-back signed on loan from Bournemouth over the summer and has endured a difficult start to life in Glasgow, including a red card in Rangers' Champions League play-off drubbing by Club Brugge.

However, he swept home from close range in the 94th minute at Almondvale on Sunday to secure a first league win of the season at the sixth time of asking.

"I feel amazing to get my first goal here, but to get a late winner under the circumstances, it was great," Aarons told RangersTV.

"To be honest I thought we were really good today in large parts of the game. Although if we want to make it easier for ourselves that has to be across the whole game, but I think we deserved that win.

"I have dreamt of that and to do it in front of the away fans was amazing. I want more moments like that and more success here."

Aarons hopes the three points can spark a run of victories for Rangers as they try to move up the Scottish Premiership table and compete in the Europa League.

"These moments are kind of what can bring you up and allow you to trust each other as you know you can get through those moments," Aarons said.

"Not every game is going to be an easy path to victory and in games like this we have to show fight to the end.

"I think we deserved to win but it should have been clear cut sooner.

"We have to use this feeling and build on it. It is our first league win and we know as a group it should have come before now.

"Hopefully this can push us on."

We asked for your views on Rangers dramatic stoppage-time win over Livingston as Russell Martin's side secured their first Scottish Premiership victory of the season.

Here's what some of you said:

Brian: The result is only mending over the cracks in the Rangers team. It's only a matter time before the manager job will be advertised. It wasn't a good team performance.

Gerry: Got out of jail. Only a couple of chances in the first half, one in the second until the goal, wasteful in intensity until the last eight minutes and the relief on Russell Martin's face was clear to see as he celebrated like he'd just won the league and not three points. These average performances should not and cannot be allowed to continue.

Ross: Nice to finally see a win, this proves that some of the players actually know what to do. Still not got belief in Martin yet, but a step in the right direction.

Alex: Papering over the cracks won't and cannot be allowed to save Martin from the sack. The second half performance was appalling and the players arrogantly thought the game was won when in reality it could easily have been lost. If Martin truly thinks he will win the fans back he is totally wrong, he isn't wanted, he has to go.

Andrew: Its a sad reflection of life under Russell Martin that we consider scraping a last minute win against Livingston a good result. Mediocrity has become the new norm.

Greig: I strangely cheered for the Livingston equaliser thinking it is another nail in Martin's coffin as manager. I'm very disappointed with the win as the owners will be giving Martin more time. Oliver Antman doesn't know how to run forward or make a forward pass and after all these games, I've yet to see him win a header or challenge for that matter. I can't stand watching Rangers play this poor football.

Joe: Plaster for a bullet wound, only a matter of time.

Gareth: Rangers winning against Livingston has just kept Martin in his job for another game. He isn't out of the woods yet. The players played well but it's going to take a lot to get the Rangers fans back on track.

Having re-established himself in the Rangers team, Nico Raskin is likely to remain at Ibrox beyond the January window. (Football Insider), external

Watch highlights as Rangers earn their first Premiership win of the season thanks to Max Aarons' late goal at Livingston.

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Rangers found a dramatic stoppage-time winner to finally secure their first Scottish Premiership win of the season at the sixth attempt, with substitute Max Aarons' late strike enough to down Livingston.

Read the full match report here

Have your say on Rangers' performance via this link

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Rangers head coach Russell Martin tells BBC Scotland: "I'm really proud of the players, they deserved to win.

"Some of the football we played in the first half, we should have scored more goals and the game should have been done. We gave away a really poor goal because we lost control of the game in the second half and struggled to get it back. The players are fighting so hard for each other and the coaching staff and I think we got what we deserved in the end.

"The players feel so together and the first half showed that. The gap between the first half and the second half is too big so we need to learn from that but I really enjoyed some of the first half and I loved the character and spirit in the second.

"This job means the world to all of us that are here. We want to win. I'm just so happy for the players today, they're growing all the time and now we have to do it more consistently."

"We need to win a lot. They saw a team that's really fighting. I have nothing to say about that, I can't control any of that. I'm really pleased for the players and that's why I went down the tunnel so quickly because it's then aimed and me and it's not about me it's about the players.

"It's [character] not something I lack when you have the upbringing I have. I'm fortunate I have a high capacity for stress that's why I chose this job over others in the first place and now we have to make a difference by winning more games.

"We were great against Hibs for 70 minutes, today for 45 minutes and now we have to try and sustain that for longer periods. There will be loads of learning for the players and they can do it with a good feeling after winning a game now.

"We should have won a couple more games than we have by now but it needs to be the catalyst for us. Maybe a late goal will really galvanise everyone and we can kick on.

"We have a couple of knocks so we'll have to assess them in the next couple of days."

On the suggestion that Max Aarons' late winner has kept the boss in a job, Martin added: "I haven't felt like that at all. I can't answer that question because it's not relevant. He scored and I'm in a job.