SNS GroupRangers head coach Russell Martin has named his side ahead of the Champions League second qualifying round first leg against Panathinaikos.
The match is Rangers’ first competitive game under new head coach Martin, and the first since the takeover by American investors at the beginning of the summer.
While the new regime has a long-term plan to improve Rangers’ fortunes in domestic competition and in Europe, reaching the League Phase of the Champions League would be a huge boost to the management as they put in place a new-look side and style, and would also deliver around £40m to help deliver improvements.
To do that, the Ibrox club need to get past Panathinaikos, then defeat either Viktoria Plzen or Servette, and go on to win a play-off tie.
Starting with a home leg win against the Greek side would be the ideal start to Martin’s reign and he has included a number of summer signings in the starting XI.
Jack Butland is in goal, with James Tavernier at right-back and John Souttar partnered by debutant Nasser Djiga in the centre of defence. Max Aarons makes his competitive debut on the left.
In midfield, new signing Joe Rothwell starts, with Nico Raskin and Mohamed Diomande also in the heart of the side.
Kieran Dowell and Findlay Curtis play in support of striker Danilo.
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