Rangers

Rangers fans, did anyone impress against Middlesbrough that should be considered for the second leg against Panathinaikos?

Does Russell Martin now have some tough calls to make, or did you leave Ibrox unimpressed by the fringe players in the squad?

Let us know here.

Rangers head coach Russell Martin said the Ibrox club have transfer interest in a "fair few" players after Saturday's 2-2 friendly draw with Middlesbrough in Glasgow. (The Herald On Sunday), external

Vaclav Cerny, the Czech Republic winger who was on loan to Rangers last season, looks set to join Turkish club Besiktas from Wolfsburg. (The National On Sunday), external

Rangers have agreed to loan 17-year-old defender Jack Wyllie to Kelty Hearts amid rival interest from a number of League 1 and League 2 rivals. (Sunday Mail), external

Read the rest of Sunday's Scottish gossip.

Gully Singh
BBC Sport Scotland at Ibrox

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Just over 33,000 watched Rangers' final pre-season friendly as they came from two goals down to draw with Middlesbrough at Ibrox.

Home head coach Russell Martin changed his whole starting line-up from their midweek Champions League qualifier, with Neto Borges tapping the visitors into an early lead.

Scotland international Tommy Conway had a great chance for the visitors when he wriggled free, but home goalkeeper Liam Kelly beat away his effort.

Conway then had the ball in the net before the linesman blew the whistle for offside.

Rangers head coach Martin was sent off at half-time after speaking with referee John Beatton about a first-half incident where he felt his side should have been awarded a penalty.

Just before the hour mark, Boro grabbed their second after a Morgan Whittaker free kick was lofted in and captain Dael Fry smashed it into the top left-hand corner.

Martin rang the changes with seven new players brought on, with one of them helping the hosts get back into the game.

Danilo made an impact off the bench with his header into the bottom corner, glancing it beyond the keeper on the end of Max Aaron's cross just after the hour mark.

A Nicolas Raskin header was then saved, with the rebound followed up by Findlay Curtis, with the 18-year-old finding the net from close range.

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Defender Robin Propper has left Rangers for an "undisclosed fee" as he returns to FC Twente.

The 31-year-old joined from the Dutch side, where he was club captain, in August 2024 and made 43 appearances across the 2024/25 season under managers Philippe Clement and Barry Ferguson.

Rangers said they thank him for "his contribution in his time at the club and wishes him well for the future."

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Rangers target Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, 22, sustained an injury during Crystal Palace's friendly with Millwall. (Sun), external

Read Saturday's Scottish gossip

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Joe Rothwell insists Rangers will head to Athens with a front-foot approach and "won't be looking to defend" their lead.

The former Bournemouth midfielder made his debut in the 2-0 first-leg win in the Champions League qualifier on Tuesday night as the Russell Martin era began with victory.

Rangers struggled for long spells before 18-year-old Findlay Curtis and debutant Djeidi Gassama struck fine second-half goals after side of Greek defender Giorgos Vagiannidis' red card.

The Ibrox side host Middlesbrough in a friendly on Saturday before the second leg against Panathinaikos in the Greek capital on Wednesday.

"I think we have to now [feel in command of the tie]" Rothwell, 30, said. "Obviously, 2-0, it's a good scoreline, especially in this format.

"So we'll go out there and obviously we won't be looking to defend it. We'll try and go out there and win the game and score as many goals as we can.

"It [2-0 win] can be huge. I think he [Martin] said in his press conference, it was not going to be a season-defining game but we wanted to go out there and put a show on and really show how he wants to do things.

"I think we managed to do that, controlled the game as we like to do and just a bit disappointed that we didn't go and probably kill the game off a little bit more."

Rangers should have been behind before Curtis' 52nd-minute opener, with Martin having to settle his new team down at the interval to spark an improved performance.

"He said to just stick to what we do," Rothwell added. "We went away from it a little bit, in terms of how we want to play.

"And then obviously with them going down to 10 men, we've managed to control the game and probably disappointed we didn't probably get a few more in the end."

Rothwell "loved" his first experience of a European night at Ibrox.

"Obviously you hear stories from the outside, but when you actually get out there and experience it, it's fantastic and I'm sure the fans are going to be behind us in every single game and we'll need them."

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Rangers have had an offer rejected to take 22-year-old Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi on an initial loan with a potential obligation to buy worth up to £10m, but the Ibrox club's pursuit is ongoing and there is interest from elsewhere. (The Athletic - subscription required), external

The Ibrox club's loan approach for Rak-Sakyi does not include a £10m obligation to buy, but Southampton are also interested and the Ibrox club may need to wait until later in the transfer window to do a deal. (Chris Jack on X), external

Rangers' loan offer for the England Under-21 international remains on the table. (Sun), external

Dunfermline Athletic are close to agreeing a deal with Rangers over a loan move for Mason Munn, with the 19-year-old goalkeeper being allowed to leave the Premiership club this season to gain first-team experience. (Chris Jack on X), external

Read Friday's Scottish gossip

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

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip

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

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When 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.

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Former 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.

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Rangers 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."

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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?

Give us your thoughts on the game here.

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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.