It would be remiss to look too far ahead but the hard facts state Rangers are 90 minutes away from a first appearance in the Champions League group stage in 12 years.
A sizeable task awaits in the form of PSV Eindhoven at their patch awaits, however, a signature win on the Continent has become the calling card of the Ibrox side in recent years. And if Rangers punch their £40million ticket that guarantees them a seat at European football's top table, they will receive fresh impetus in the transfer market.
Managing director Stewart Robertson laid out how last season's rousing run to the Europa League resulted in a greater money haul than reaching the Champions League group stage last season. But entering the world's most coveted tournament is good for business when reaching marquee Finals on a yearly basis remains a tall task. Gio van Bronckhorst hasn't stood still this summer and he and sporting director Ross Wilson have been busy with seven summer signings.
Malik Tillman, Antonio Colak, Tom Lawrence and Rabbi Matondo have added an oomph in the final third and it is hoped Ridvan Yilmaz, Ben Davies and John Souttar can bring something to the backline. But what would come next if Ruud van Nistelrooy's side are left wanting in front of their own fans next week? Record Sport runs the rule over where it's believed Rangers are aiming to strengthen as we understand the club will move for two type of players should the UEFA riches be unlocked.
Defensive midfielder
On the face of it, a player to play at the base of the Rangers midfield doesn't appear an obvious first place to start. But when you consider the two starting in the engine room alongside John Lundstram has chopped and changed this season, it may well be a place where the Dutchman and his signing chief start. The Scouser is a bonafide cult hero who had added to his Ibrox lore with a string of head-turning displays on the Continent. But Glen Kamara hasn't been a guaranteed starter this season with Scott Arfield and Steven Davis earning a shot each in the European clashes with Union Saint-Gilloise and PSV. Kamara has been linked with Serie A side Salernitana but would likely command a hefty fee with three years remaining on his current Ibrox deal.
Ryan Jack has also been left with a watching brief for much of the early parts of the season. The Scotland international has been an unused substitute in three of the Ibrox side's six competitive games. He was subbed after 67 minutes during a chastening night in Leuven during the first leg against USG. He was reduced to a six-minute cameo on the opening day against Livingston but played the full game against St Johnstone in last Saturday's 4-0 cruise at Ibrox. There's a clear sign the midfield dynamic is shifting under van Bronckhost and that is likely be reinforced with a trip into the market if they reach the Champions League.
A fresh forward
Sometimes there are good personnel problems to have and being able to leave Alfredo Morelos in reserve fits that criteria. The Rangers boss shut down an inquiry over why the Colombian didn't come off the bench against PSV and the Dutchman insisted Colak's efforts afforded him the chance to see out the game. If Morelos pens a new contract then the prospect of signing a new No.9 would be highly unlikely. But teams who play a 4-3-3 are always seeking players who can play in multiple positions across the frontline. Take the aforementioned Tillman, for example. The Bayern Munich loanee has played here there and everywhere during his fledgling career. The USA international appears at his best just behind the striker, but he has played from both the right and left for club plus country over the past 18 months.
Ryan Kent appears entrenched as the left winger for now and likely the long-term man if he - in the same situation as Morelos - agree fresh terms which will take their contracts beyond next summer. The right side of the front three appears up for grabs. Both Tillman and Lawrence can start on that side and Scott Wright is also on the mix for game time. But a bonafide wide man who makes the position is something that could be of interest to Rangers.
A wild card?
Rangers sparked a manic transfer deadline day in January with their box office capture of Aaron Ramsey. It was a move which had gleaming Kris Boyd proclaiming it as the Scottish football's biggest signing since Paul Gascoigne. But, in truth, it already appeared like a gamble which hadn't paid off long before the Welshman missed the decisive penalty in the Europa League Final.
But the Ibrox side are unlikely to be dented if another marquee deal presents itself, however, both Wilson and van Bronckhorst have a recent reminder over the pitfalls that come with going all in for a world star. Ramsey's chequered injury history didn't ease in Glasgow, so that is worth bearing in mind when it comes to future big business. Also, Rangers will try to sign a player or two even if they don’t make the Champions League. However, that is dependent on offloading the likes of Nikola Katic and Stephen Kelly, with Jack Simpson already gone.
READ NEXT
