RYAN Jack last night insisted the new-look Rangers team he hopes to be a part of is capable of reaching the Europa League group stages in the coming season.
Jack is one of no fewer than five new signings made by Ibrox manager Pedro Caixinha so far this summer; Bruno Alves, Daniel Candeias, Fabio Cardoso, Dalcio are the others.
Mexican pair Carlos Pena and Eduaro Herrera will join that quintet once their work permits are granted.
Elsewhere, Caixinha is also hopeful of bringing in Graham Dorrans from Norwich City and Jamie Walker from Hearts before the 2017/18 campaign gets underway despite initial bids being turned down.
The Glasgow club will play in their first European tie on June 29 and will have to successfully negotiate three qualifying rounds and the play-off in order to book a place in the competition proper.
It is asking a lot of Rangers to progress that far given how many changes of personnel there have been during the close season and the quality of opposition they will find themselves up against.
They could be drawn to play AC Milan, Athletic Bilbao, Bordeaux, Everton, Fenerbahce, Panathinaikos, PSV Eindhoven or Zenit St. Petersburg in the third qualifying round.
However, Jack, who has played in the Europa League qualifiers with his former club Aberdeen in each of the last three seasons, is confident they are capable of making it through.
“We are going to train hard and put a lot of work in on the training ground and I am sure the manager will make sure we are ready for when the first Europa League qualifier comes,” he said.
“With Aberdeen last season, when we got the Maribor tie (in the third qualifying round) we really felt we had a right good chance. But obviously the circumstances over in the away leg weren’t great, the way we went out.
“When I had the chance to come to Rangers, the European side of it was a massive factor. I’ve played in great ties against the likes of Real Sociedad or even Groningen. It’s a great chance to get big European nights back to Ibrox."
Jack added: “The guys are all professionals. They will know the games are going to come thick and fast. You have got to be ready. It doesn’t matter who you play. You could be playing someone that you have never even heard of before. I have had that with Aberdeen in the past.
“They are still tricky ties and tough teams and difficult places you have to go. It is not like we are going to going away to a stadium like Ibrox and playing in front of 50,000 with a great atmosphere. It could be like playing in front of 2,000. I have had that with Aberdeen before in the past.”
The 25-year-old, who had been with his home town club Aberdeen since he was eight, has become a hate figure with Pittodrie supporters since moving to their bitter rivals Rangers.
The former Scotland Under-21 internationalist, though, stressed he was unconcerned by the reaction to his departure and was relishing the prospect of taking on his old club.
“It doesn’t bother me,” he said. “It’s part of football. It’s what comes with the job. But when the fixtures do get released, it will be one of the ones I’ll be looking out for. I’ll be looking forward to going back up to Pittodrie.
“It’s always a great game when Rangers are at Pittodrie. It’s a great atmosphere. There is no fear or anything like that. It’s just going to be excitement. It’s one I Iook forward to.
"I wouldn’t imagine the reaction will be too great, but it’s part of football. Going from Aberdeen to Rangers, you know that flak’s going to come with it. Supporters aren’t going to be happy.
“But, for me, I just have to be selfish, look out for my career and what’s best for me and my family. I chose Rangers because I thought it was the best option for myself. I will be looking forward to going back up to Pittodrie, playing against my ex-team-mates and getting booed as well.”
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