Glasgow Rangers will be involved in European competition next season.
Rangers’ 2-1 victory away to Partick Thistle this weekend means Pedro Caixinha’s side have secured their place in next season’s Europa League, and while some will bemoan the qualifying schedule simply to reach the knockout stages, their presence in the competition could lure a better calibre of player to Ibrox.
Caixinha has a lot of work to do this summer to ensure he has a squad capable of challenging Celtic for the Scottish Premiership next year.
Any hope that he already possesses those players was lost after the recent 5-1 battering at the hands of the reigning champions, and it is up to Rangers to significantly strengthen in a number of key areas this summer, not least their defence.
Rangers have already been linked with plenty of interesting names, some from Caixinha’s past, and while the Portuguese manager is likely to go with men he knows and trusts, the prospect of European football is sure to make any negotiations considerably smoother.
Only time will tell how Rangers line up next season and beyond, but the pull of the Europa League should not be underestimated, even if it is not every fan’s cup of tea.
Just ask Manchester United supporters what it means to them this season.
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