Charlie Nicholas has highlighted the 'scary' problem facing Rangers ahead of their Champions League cruch with Union Saint-Gilloise - as he has identified ONE key area of the park that would 'surprise' him if they don't add before the window slams shut.
The Light Blues welcome the Belgians to Ibrox tonight as they bid to overturn last week's two-nil defeat. Giovanni van Bronckhorst's men picked up some massive results on their own turf last season on their run to the Europa League Final in Seville. Ex-Celtic man Nicholas reckons they will overcome the task at hand and reach the play-off round.
But he has warned failure to do so would see them suffer financially in comparison to their Glasgow rivals, who are guaranteed a big cash boost after direct entry to the group stage proper. This would allow them to dip into the transfer market once again and that is why victory tonight and reaching the next stage against Monaco or PSV is vital. Ex-Hoops hitman Nicholas has also questioned whether Jon McLaughlin is good enough for the top level on the European stage. He has no doubt over his ability in the domestic leagues but on the big stage, he has his doubts and has questioned why a new goalkeeper hasn't arrived this summer with Allan McGregor 'no longer the answer' and Robby McCrorie the clear third choice at the club.
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Writing in his Daily Express column, Nicholas said: "If they fall at the first qualifying hurdle then the manager, players and board would all come under scrutiny.
"The scary problem for Rangers is that Celtic are already guaranteed a windfall of tens of millions after going straight into the Champions League group stage, and that will allow them to flex their financial muscle again.
"That is why tonight is such a big game.
"Rangers beat better teams than USG during last season's run to the Europa League final, so that should give them hope.
"I think Giovanni van Bronckhorst's will come through, possibly in extra time, and the crowd will play a significant part in shaking up the Belgian visitors.
"I expect changes to the starting line-up and I do think we will see a far different Gers team at Ibrox. If not, then it could be a really painful result for Van Bronckhorst and what the club is trying to build.
"Rangers are in this position because they were awful in last week's first leg in Belgium.
"Jon McLaughlin was at fault for the first goal. That is acceptable - goalkeepers make mistakes or they keep you in the game.
"In fairness, McLaughlin made a couple of top saves after it.
"Still, it brings me back to the question I raised a few weeks ago, which is why have Rangers not signed another goalkeeper yet?
"We know Allan McGregor is no longer the answer and Robby McCrorie is clearly the third choice.
"McLaughlin is a good enough domestically but is he a top keeper in Europe?
"I would be surprised if Rangers don't bring in a new goalkeeper before the transfer window closes at the end of August."
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