Russell Martin could hand three players their full debuts when Rangers face Panathinaikos in their Champions League qualifier.
The Gers will face the Greek outfit in the second qualifying round of the competition, with the first leg to be held at Ibrox on 22 July.
Martin’s men will then travel to Greece for the second leg, which will take place the following week in Athens.
He will want signings through the door for the fixture, with Conor Coady, Max Aarons, and Kwame Poku all linked with a move to Rangers.
Martin can give Coady, Aarons, and Poku debuts at Ibrox
Time is of the essence if Rangers are to bring new players through the Ibrox door ahead of their Champions League opener.
Lyall Cameron has already moved to Rangers, having signed a pre-contract agreement earlier this year.
Elsewhere, Martin is eyeing a double deal for Aarons and Poku, with the Bournemouth defender set to join on loan and the winger coming on a free transfer.
Coady is another target for the Gers and could be Martin’s first signing of the summer, with an approach already made to Leicester.
| Conor Coady’s 2024/25 Premier League statistics | Total |
| Appearances (starts) | 22 (19) |
| Goals | 1 |
| Clean sheets | 2 |
| Clearances | 3.2 |
| Tackles per game | 0.6 |
| Accurate passes | 44.4 (91%) |
All three could be handed their Rangers debuts in the Champions League amid several departures in Glasgow.
Vaclav Cerny will return to WfL Wolfsburg following his loan, while Ianis Hagi, Leon Balogun, and Tom Lawrence will also depart at the end of their contracts.
That means that Martin will likely field an unfamiliar side as Rangers begin a new era.
Rangers have what it takes to beat Panathinaikos
Of course, no game in Europe is a formality, but Rangers should have enough to defeat Panathinaikos.
Jack Butland and James Tavernier are facing questions over their futures, but their experience could be key here, alongside Coady, John Souttar and Aarons on the left.
Cameron will likely be drafted straight into midfield, with Mohamed Diomande and Nicolas Raskin critical players for Martin in his new system.
Cyriel Dessers could be sold before the qualifiers, but given his Golden Boot standing in Scotland, he could be useful in these qualifiers, potentially his last present before moving on.
Poke and Hamza Igamane will finish the first competitive lineup for Martin.
