Rangers Champions League squad revealed as Russell Martin cuts experienced players

Rangers head coach Russell Martin has settled on his Champions League squad to face Panathinaikos, with a number of last season’s side left on the sidelines.

Six summer signings have been included in the 25-man squad as Martin begins to shape a new-look team for the crucial test.

Rangers need to get through three rounds of qualifying to reach the prestigious and lucrative League Phase and that journey begins with the first leg against Greek giants Panathinaikos on Tuesday.

Fans will get their first look at the team in competitive action under Martin, and new recruits Max Aarons, Nasser Djiga, Emmanuel Fernandez, Thelo Aasgaard, Djiedi Gassama and Joe Rothwell are all in the squad.

With places limited, the head coach had decisions to make and a number of last season’s squad have been left out, giving a clear indication of their future.

Jose Cifuentes, Clinton Nsiala, Rabbi Matondo, Robin Propper, Ross McCausland and Ridvan Yilmaz have all been omitted from the list, which was submitted to UEFA ahead of Thursday’s deadline.

Clubs are permitted to add up to two players to the squad up to 24 hours before Tuesday’s first leg, but only if existing players are dropped to free up space.

Rangers Champions League qualifying squad

Goalkeepers: Jack Butland, Liam Kelly, Kieran Wright

Defenders: Max Aarons, Nasser Djiga, Emmanuel Fernandez, Leon King, John Souttar, James Tavernier, Jefte

Midfielders: Thelo Aasgaard, Nedim Bajrami, Connor Barron, Lyall Cameron, Oscar Cortes, Mohamed Diomande, Kieran Dowell, Robbie Fraser, Djiedi Gassama, Nico Raskin, Joe Rothwell

Forwards: Cyriel Dessers, Josh Gentles, Hamza Igamane, Danilo