So much has changed at Rangers since they last contested a Champions League group stage match just under 12 years ago. Kenny Miller was sitting in the BT Sport studio to give his verdict on Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side’s heroic night in Holland and was reminded he was the last player to score for the Light Blues at that level.
The former striker was on target in a 1-1 draw against Bursaspor - who he later joined - in Turkey. Walter Smith’s men finished third in their group that also contained Manchester United and Valencia. Few could have predicted back on that December night in 2010 that it would take until now for them to return there.
But Turkey will again be the country where they make their Champions League group stage return. Well, for the draw at least. Van Bronckhorst and his men sealed a 3-2 aggregate win over PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday night as group stage football returns to the Govan ground. The club has been to the bottom tier of Scottish football and back again and Van Bronckhorst admitted it felt like the journey had been completed. Here, Record Sport looks back at the team who featured against Bursaspor that night.
Allan McGregor
Veteran goalkeeper is still at the club after leaving following the club’s financial collapse. He moved to Turkish side Besiktas before returning to Britain with Hull City and then back to his beloved Rangers in 2018. Extended his contract last season but is now second choice behind Jon McLaughlin.
David Weir
The former Scotland stopper arrived at Rangers late in his career but achieved plenty in his five years. Returned to Ibrox as assistant manager of the club to Mark Warburton and is now technical director at Brighton & Hove Albion.
Lee McCulloch
The former Rangers captain has European ambitions of his own this season as assistant manager to Robbie Neilson at Hearts and can look forward to some big nights at Tynecastle. Spent eight years at Ibrox after joining from Wigan.
Richard Foster
Recently moved to Detroit City as player-coach but also a regular face on BBC where he works as a pundit. Initially moved to Rangers on loan from Aberdeen, when he played in the Champions League, before moving to Bristol City but returned to Ibrox under Ally McCoist in the Championship.
Steven Whittaker
Part of the side that went all the way to the UEFA Cup Final and was a solid servant after moving to Ibrox from Hibs. Now a member of Scott Brown’s coaching staff at Fleetwood Town.
Madjid Bougherra
Spent three years at Rangers after the late Walter Smith signed him from Charlton Athletic. The Algerian defender won the championship in all three of his seasons with the Light Blues. Currently manager of Algeria ‘A’ which is the the national team compromised of home-based players .
Darren Cole
Made his debut against Bursaspor in one of only three top team appearances but Gers career ended after his contract was terminated when he failed to appear for a charity friendly against Cambuslang Rangers. Currently on loan at Dungannon Swifts from Glentoran.
Steven Davis
One of only two survivors from that night in Turkey along with Allan McGregor having returned to Ibrox after a spell in England. The veteran midfielder’s experience could be vital in the group stage.
Kyle Hutton
Broke through under Smith and featured against Manchester United in the Champions League and was in the side when the club started again in bottom tier. Now playing his trade with Forfar Athletic.
Kenny Miller
The goal scorer in Turkey who was in his second spell at Ibrox. Returned for a third stint before spells at Livingston, Dundee and Partick Thistle. Now working for the media, including a column in the Sunday Mail.
Steven Naismith
Former striker moved on after the financial collapse, joining English Premier League side Everton. Now player development manager at Hearts after moving to Gorgie on his return from England.
Substitutes
Vladimir Weiss - Had a spell on loan from Manchester City and now playing back in Slovakia with Slovan Bratislava
James Beattie - A big name signing from Stoke City but it didn’t work out. Now a coach at Wigan.
Jordan McMillan - Made a couple of top team appearances before moving on. Failed a drugs test at Partick Thistle and now playing for Pollok.
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