Rangers

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Rangers defender Robbie Fraser has joined Championship side Dunfermline Athletic for an undisclosed fee.

Academy graduate Fraser, 22, made his Rangers debut in May 2024 and featured four times for the club last season.

He spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Livingston, helping David Martindale's win promotion back to the top flight, and the Scotland Under-21 international has now signed a three-year deal with Neil Lennon's Pars.

"I'm at a stage in my career where I've come out of that younger phase. I want to get games, I want to show that I'm more than capable of holding my own," Fraser said.

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Jefte and Oscar Cortes have been left out of the 25-man Rangers squad submitted for their Champions League play-off against Club Brugge.

Brazilian left-back Jefte is reportedly, external subject to a transfer offer from Palmeiras in his homeland.

Fellow 21-year-old Cortes became a permanent signing this summer after arriving last summer on loan from Lens with an obligation to buy, but the Colombian winger has been troubled by injury.

Their places have been taken by new wing additions Thelo Aasgaard and Mikey Moore.

Aasgaard, signed from Luton Town, missed out on the victory over Viktoria Plzen in the third round of qualifying through injury.

Moore received international clearance for his loan move from Tottenham too late for that tie, but is now available to begin his Ibrox career on Saturday as Rangers host Alloa Athletic in the second round of the Premier Sports Cup.

The Champions League squad changes leave Rangers with no senior left-back for the play-off tie, although they have the ability to add two new eligible players before midnight on the day before the first leg.

Rangers host Brugge on Tuesday before travelling to Belgium for the second leg a week later.

David Currie
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Brazilian forward Danilo says he's ready to "step up" and show what he can do after struggling to convince in his injury-blighted Rangers career.

The 26-year-old has scored 12 goals in 54 matches since joining from Feyenoord two years ago.

Danilo, who is set to start against Alloa in the Premier Sports Cup second-round tie on Saturday, said: "You work hard for any typical moments that happen right now.

"Obviously the focus is on me and this is a great opportunity for me to be ready and show my qualities.

"My head is in a great place. So right now it's just about momentum and hopefully the goals come as well.

Although results have been up and down under new head coach Russell Martin, Danilo has enjoyed working under the former Scotland defender, who the Brazilian says places additional demands on his strikers.

"As a new manager comes into the building you want to show your qualities and your fitness levels, so it was great for me to be ready for it," Danilo said.

"I think we have fewer long balls and that makes it more difficult for strikers. He's trying to position us to be more involved in the game and run more in the final third.''

Danilo has faith that Martin's style of play will pay off despite taking just two wins from the first six games.

"We're always under pressure, especially at home when we don't perform," he said.

"So I think when we put everybody together and everybody's on the main focus, there's going to be a great future for all of us."

Russell Martin has been speaking to the media before Rangers face Alloa Atheltic in the Premier Sports Cup this weekend.

Here are the key lines from the Ibrox boss:

• The knee injury suffered by Cyriel Dessers in midweek as not as bad as first feared. The striker is "still stiff and sore" but could be fit to face Club Brugge on Tuesday night.

• On reports Jefte is poised for a £6m move, external to Palmeiras: "I think the club will update you as and when it becomes something. He's in this morning. I guess that's all I can give you as the manager right now."

• On links to Real Betis defender Nobel Mendy:, external "He doesn't play for us, so I can't tell you anything about him. I've never met a kid, never spoke to him in my life. So, yeah, I don't really know."

• Martin won't "make 11 changes" but is set to shuffle the team for the Alloa tie where Mikey Moore and Thelo Aasgaard could make debuts and Hamza Igamane is in the squad.

• On Rangers' Scottish Cup defeat to lower-league Queen's Park last season: "It's completely gone. Some of them [the players] werre probably part of that. I don't see any benefit in me bringing it up."

• After struggling to break down Dundee's low block in the 1-1 draw last weekend, Rangers have "done a lot of work on that since and hopefully you'll see that tomorrow".

• On criticism of Rangers' early-season performances, Martin is keen to block out "outside noise". He adds: "When you come and work for a big club like this, you have to accept that there's going to be so many opinions, ex-players, supporters, but we have to just focus on what we can focus on. So it really doesn't affect, or it shouldn't affect what we're doing here."

• Martin says he was speaking to a member of the maintenance staff who said, "We are turning the tanker around gaffer" and that's exactly how he feels about the situation.

• Martin "loved" that the players were frustrated with some of the aspects of the performance in Plzen "because I think their understanding is growing. Their belief in what they're doing is growing. And at some point, it will all really pay off for them".

• On Rangers conceding 97 shots in their opening six games, Martin is "not happy" with it but says "perspective and context" is required.

• He adds: "I got made aware of it this week by the analysts who then did a real detailed breakdown of it. So over half the shots were from well outside the box. The two games that we've given away too many chances are Panathinaikos and Plzen, and we're playing two teams away from home in Europe. They're 2-0 and 3-0 down and committing numbers forward that we haven't usually seen them doing. So we can definitely negate that and stop that."

• Martin has "no problem" with Andy Halliday criticising his tactics: "I like Andy, I regard him as a really good ex-team-and a good person. But when you work in the media, you have to give an opinion, right? Although I never have said we're going to play an inverted full-back, so I have told him that."

Sheffield Wednesday have turned down bids from Rangers and West Ham for goalkeeper Pierce Charles, 20. (Independent), external

Offers in excess of £1m for Charles have been rejected. (Mike McGrath), external

Barry Ferguson urges his successor as Rangers head coach, Russell Martin, not to take criticism "personally", highlighting how Martin is "paying the price for years of underachievement which have taken a heavy toll". (Record), external

Read Friday's Scottish gossip

Andy Campbell
BBC Sport Scotland

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YouTube highlights reels can only tell you so much. In the case of Mikey Moore, there are certainly signs Rangers' on-loan Tottenham winger can offer a different type of wide man for head coach Russell Martin.

Less than a month into his Ibrox reign, Martin has experienced in microcosm the ups and downs of his immediate two predecessors Barry Ferguson and Philippe Clement - some thrilling nights in Europe and persistent domestic frustrations.

Where Moore may aid Martin's cause is his point of difference to Rangers' other wingers Findlay Curtis, Djeidi Gassama and Oliver Antman.

Now that red tape over his transfer has been overcome by the advent of his 18th birthday this week, Moore could looks set to his Rangers debut in Saturday's Premier Sports Cup tie with in-form League 1 side Alloa Athletic.

In the 1-1 Premiership draws with Motherwell and Dundee, Rangers struggled to get their wingers in behind defences in the manner they did in the Champions League third qualifying round tie with Viktoria Plzen. Martin has lamented poor use of the ball as a key cause for the amount of defending his side has had to do.

Moore, a right-footer who can play on either side, seems adept at carrying the ball, going beyond and eliminating defenders to create the kind of space Rangers are trying to exploit.

His sole Spurs strike so far came in Europa League action and showed he has an eye for goal - driving at Elfsborg's defence from the left, cutting inside and giving himself a big target to aim for to the goalkeeper's right. He also laid on two Tottenham goals last season in his 19 first-team appearances.

At international level, he has been a regular scorer for England's age grade teams and has shouldered the responsibility of taking penalties.

Which striker Rangers' wingers will be attempting to supply on Saturday is somewhat of a conundrum for Martin. Cyriel Dessers has started most games this season in the number nine role but went off with a serious-looking injury against Plzen as Rangers completed a 4-2 aggregate win.

Brazilian Danilo replaced the Nigeria international and set up Rangers' goal in the Czech Republic while Hamza Igamane - scorer of 16 goals last season - is yet to feature this season amid fitness issues.

Upon his signing, Martin described Moore as "brave" and "aggressive". Helping Rangers arrest their early-season domestic slump will require both qualities and more.

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Rangers left-back Jefte, 21, has verbally agreed a five-year contract with Palmeiras. (UOL - in Portuguese), external

Jefte and his representatives will meet Palmeiras officials in London next week. (Sun), external

Reported Rangers target and striker Matija Frigan, 22, is close to joining Parma from Westerlo. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein, 23, who had been linked with Rangers, is in talks with Rizespor. (90min - in Turkish), external

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip

Martin Dowden in Plzen
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Midfielder Lyall Cameron praised "unbelievable" Jack Butland after the goalkeeper's impressive performance helped Rangers secure a Champions League play-off against Club Brugge.

Cameron's second-half equaliser eased pressure for a spell before hosts Viktoria Plzen regained the lead and laid siege to Rangers' goal, with Butland pulling off a number of crucial saves as Russell Martin's men advanced 4-2 on aggregate.

"It's unbelievable," Cameron said. "I've always thought he was a great goalie.

"I remember the first time I went to Ibrox with Dundee. I thought I'd scored in the first minute. He pulled out a worldy save, so I was raging at him for that!

"The way he carries himself about the training ground, the way he does everything is just really good for me to look up to.

"He's always doing extra and all that, it's just good for me to look up to and see that. No matter where he is at in his career, he's still doing that and trying to get better."

Cameron described his first goal for the club as a "massive moment" and insists the team will improve once they implement Martin's style properly.

The 22-year-old is well aware of the scale of the test Club Brugge - who draw 2-2 with Rangers in pre-season - will bring in the first leg at Ibrox next Tuesday.

"Obviously, we know it's not going to be an easy game," he added.

"They're a good side. We played them in a friendly at Ibrox a couple of months ago, so we know they're a good team but that's just what you have to expect to play in the Champions League.

"We need to show that we can compete at that level, and hopefully we will."

Alasdair Lamont
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

Rangers are just one tie away from the riches and prestige that comes with Champions League qualification, but few who have watched Russell Martin's new side so far this season will be getting carried away.

They have delivered one convincing performance (at home to Viktoria Plzen) in the six they have played and will need to improve significantly before Club Brugge visit Ibrox next midweek if they are to have any chance of overcoming the Belgians.

It is inconceivable that Brugge will not more ruthlessly punish the slackness in possession that has plagued Rangers as they try to adapt to Martin's methods than either Panathinaikos or Plzen were able to.

The head coach says it's a process and that with each passing game and training session, the players will improve in the system, but while they have got away with it in Europe, both Motherwell and Dundee have taken points off them in the league.

The Rangers supporters have not been slow to vent their displeasure. Ibrox on Saturday was an uncomfortable place to be as Martin's decision to bring on Kieran Dowell to try to retrieve the game against Dundee was met with boos from the stands and a generally insipid performance led to the stands emptying long before James Tavernier's penalty earned a point.

Alloa visit on Saturday in the League Cup - a no-win scenario for Martin, but an opportunity potentially to introduce Mikey Moore and Thelo Aasgaard into the team.

Much is expected of both as Rangers stand on the cusp of something special, but only if they can address critical issues that threaten to derail their season almost before it has begun.

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We asked for your views on Rangers second-leg defeat at Viktoria Plzen as Russell Martin's side advanced to a Champions League play-off with Club Brugge.

Here's what some of you said:

Steven: I'm lost for words to describe this team. Given what is at stake, this was as disjointed and as lacklustre as I've seen. As much as the Champions League money would be a game-changer for the club, the humiliation we will suffer could be unbearable. The manager is running out of time. Performances, this one included, are just not good enough and the manager appears to be too stubborn to adapt.

Phil: After another lacklustre performance I am praying to the football gods that we don't make it into the Champions League group stages with this team because I don't think I could deal with the humiliation and embarrassment that would follow when we come up against a top European team.

John: Nicolas Raskin has proven again how important he is to this Rangers team. Immense performance with breaking up Plzen attacks and driving our own attack forward, ably assisted by Lyall Cameron and Jack Butland. Our central defence need to watch back their performance on the ball, woeful is an understatement. Thought James Tavernier was good also, considering the last few weeks, well done captain, well done Rangers, we move on to the Belgians next week now.

Elaine: I'd have bitten your hand off at the start of the season, with a new team, to get to the Champions League play-offs. Okay it's not pretty, but it's money in the bank. Hopefully we'll have some new players in by next week and who knows. Bring it on!

Alex: It was awful, truly awful giving the ball away far too often, didn't even try to attack, fell asleep for both of their goals. Martin's football is dire to watch, good job they weren't clinical, it could have been a lot worse. We will have to play a lot better against Club Brugge, they are a stronger opposition.

Alan: Same old rubbish - Martin needs to forget we are not Man City and change style or he will make these players even more less confident on the park. Terrible style to watch.

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Former Rangers goalkeeper Cammy Bell on BBC's Scottish Football Podcast

It was a sloppy performance. They got over the line, they got the job done and that's what they were there to do, make sure they progressed to the Champions League play-off.

There's real worrying signs there for me. They were very sloppy in possession last night, gave the ball away, turned it over far too much and allowed the opposition, again, too many opportunities.

It hurt them, they got beat, but ultimately it was job done. But they're going to have to improve and pretty quickly as well.

Ex-Rangers striker Steven Thompson on BBC Sportsound

The job was done at Ibrox last week and this team didn't have enough quality to pull it back, another team might have.

Plzen gave everything, they were dead on their feet at the end of the game and they threw everything they could at it. If they could just finish they might have had a chance.

Herald football writer Stephen McGowan on BBC's Scottish Football Podcast

I think the worry is the level of the opposition. Rangers rode their luck against Panathinaikos, they rode their luck against Victoria Plzen at times. Jack Butland is there to make saves so we can't have any quibbles with that.

I think the concern is that if this Rangers team goes into the Champions League trying to pass the ball out from the back as you do they will be badly, badly exposed. And that's got to be a big worry just now.

Former Rangers midfielder Ian McCall on BBC Sportsound

They're through, that's all really you can say about it. I thought when Lyall Cameron got his first goal for Rangers they would have kicked on but the game kind of panned out like we thought it would.

Rangers will have a chance in the next round but they'll need to defend a lot better.

Thomas Duncan
BBC Sport Scotland

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"We have a lot to work on, but we're through."

It was obvious why Russell Martin was unhappy with Rangers' performance in Plzen. His side conceded 27 shots, a staggering 21 of them coming from inside their penalty area.

As a result, the Czechs ended with an expected goals rating of 3.31, with Jack Butland making eight saves, with the one to deny Prince Adu truly world class.

Given Rangers' impressive first-leg performance in the Champions League qualifier, a one-off poor display with a comfortable 3-0 aggregate lead could be forgiven given the end 4-2 aggregate result.

But early in the season, it has been a pattern. Rangers have conceded 97 shots in their six games so far, an average of 16 per game.

Had Plzen, Panathinaikos, Motherwell, or even Dundee been more clinical then it could easily be a different story in this nascent campaign.

"Plzen had four 100% chances and took one of them - and they all came from Rangers' mistakes," former Ibrox midfielder Ian McCall said on Sportsound.

"They were shoddy and shabby, but the name of the game is getting into the next round.

"There's an awful lot of money at stake, and they'll have a chance. But they'll need to defend a lot better in terms of not giving the ball away in dangerous areas."

Read more: 'Shoddy & shabby' Rangers do what they need to

Rangers are keen on West Ham midfielder Andy Irving, Celtic continue to monitor the Scotland international after making a late approach in January, while Cologne, Borussia Moenchengladbach, Stuttgart and Sturm Graz have contacted the London club and there is also Serie A interest in the 25-year-old. (The Scotsman), external

Real Betis and Rangers have agreed a £2.6m fee, with a 20% sell-on clause, for 20-year-old centre-half Nobel Mendy, who is expected in Scotland on Wednesday to have a medical and sign a four-year contract. (Sacha Tavolieri on X), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish gossip

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland in Plzen

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Rangers head coach Russell Martin has confirmed striker Cyriel Dessers suffered a knee injury which "looks a nasty one" after being forced off in the second half of their 2-1 second-leg defeat in Pilsen.

"He's in a brace now," Martin said. "We have to wait and see over the next number of days."

The Ibrox head coach confirmed to BBC Scotland that the injury seemed serious, which casts doubt on his availability for the Champions League play-off first leg against Club Brugge at Ibrox next Tuesday.

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Rangers head coach Russell Martin told BBC Scotland: "I am really pleased with [progressing]. There were some good moments in the game we didn't make the most of, but I'm disappointed with the number of shots and chances they have and most of it's self-inflicted.

"Our level of quality on the ball and decision making wasn't good enough. If we are not as clean with the ball as we should be, we have to be more aggressive.

"We have a lot to work on, but we're through. Both goals are outrageous and we have to defend better, but we defend more than we should have because we are sloppy with the ball.

"[Danilo] really helped us with the ball, the way he took it in, and he was so clean and he deserved to get on the end of some of the moves where the final balls through to him were not good enough.

"That summed up our night. We broke through the press relentlessly in the first half, played into the front really quickly, much earlier than the weekend. But, when we get there, the ball gets turned over and we are defending again.

"I don't mind losing the ball in their half if we are being so aggressive, but it was sloppy little details."

Rangers progressed to a Champions League play-off with Club Brugge, but only after riding their luck against a dominant Viktoria Plzen side in the Czech Republic.

Have your say on the game here.

Read the full match report here.

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Jack Butland is convinced Russell Martin will get it right at Rangers - but knows results are the only thing that can earn the head coach breathing space.

Having come in for criticism after opening the Premiership with back-to-back draws, Rangers take a 3-0 lead into the second leg of their Champions League third-round qualifier away to Viktoria Plzen tonight.

"A real professional performance is needed to get the job done and get through to the next stage of Champions League qualifying, which is hugely important for us as a club and everything that brings, and a game so quick after the weekend is important to get to winning ways," said goalkeeper Butland.

"I think there has, regardless of results, been a massive buy-in. The boys are really keen to want to be successful in trying to get things right.

"I've been here long enough. The fans aren't stupid. They need results. We need results. And that really needs to be in the forefront of everybody's mind. No matter the game, no matter the fixture.

"Talking is, to a point, great, but we need to show the performances, show the desire, the effort that's been put in, in results. And that's the only way that it's going to be accepted."

On new boss Martin, Butland adds: "From the get-go I've been really impressed with how he how he's carried himself, how he's communicated with the group. How he's implemented and coached us and shown us exactly what's expected of how he wants to play.

"I really believe in what we're trying to do. I believe in the manager. We'll do this together and we'll get a lot better as we go.

"But it always comes back to results first and foremost. And we need to keep them going and obviously improve some in the league."

Jamie Currie
Fan writer

After the emphatic win over Viktoria Plzen last week I was looking forward to the game against Dundee, but in true Rangers fashion we made a complete mess of it.

The 1-1 draw left me pondering what are we actually trying to do here?

We have all seen the passing stats regarding John Souttar and Nasser Djiga. However, another issue is that striker Cyriel Dessers had 11 touches inside the Dundee box and didn't register a legitimate shot on goal.

That's a massive issue, especially when you are coming up against a team that uses the low block.

This is not a new thing for Rangers. We move the ball at a snail's pace. Souttar spends too much time in possession, which allowed Dundee to get back into position and cover passing lanes. That's why you find yourself in a position where the two centre-backs have the most touches.

The midfield needs a reshuffle. Joe Rothwell looks like a number eight playing as a six. Nico Raskin should be in the starting line-up as the six and Mo Diomande looks completely lost.

The three in midfield play far too wide. The full-backs don't look comfortable inverting. Instead, all three - James Tavernier, Max Aarons and Jefte - look much more at ease overlapping.

Djeidi Gassama is the shining light in attack, but if we are being so safe in possession for 75 minutes of the 90, it's easy to see why we aren't bothering teams at the top end of the pitch. It hardly screams recipe for success.

Two games into the league season, we are trailing, and it looks like it could get a lot worse before it gets better.

We shall see how things go tonight in Plzen. After last week it should be a stress-free evening, but so far, you can't trust this team or manager to give you that.