Russell Martin risks SFA humiliation as Rangers make contact with Hampden
Rangers are aiming to reach the Champions League main phase, but several challenging games stand in the way.
The Gers will face Viktoria Plzen in two qualifying round games, and if they progress, Rangers will face one of Red Bull Salzburg or Club Brugge in the play-offs.
Reaching the Champions League main phase would be massive, as it would give a financial boost, and allow Rangers to attract higher-quality players to compete at the very top.
Russell Martin’s side need to bounce back from their opening day draw against the Czech side, but he already has one eye on the play-off rounds.
Rangers request St Mirren postponement for Champions League
Rangers have now made a formal request to postpone their Scottish Premiership clash with St Mirren, scheduled for August 24, in case they reach the play-off rounds of the Champions League.
- This will allow them to rest in between potential ties against Salzburg or Club Brugge, with a lot at stake as they will be 180 minutes away from the league phase.
Chris Jack has reported that Rangers have officially made their request, and it appears that it is conditional on them reaching the next round by beating Viktoria Plzen, meaning that St Mirren will have to wait before knowing when the fixture will take place.
| Date | Sunday, August 24 |
| Kick-off time | 12.00 |
| Stadium | SMISA Stadium |
While this would be a sensible move, Martin risks embarrassment early on in his Rangers career as a result, and there is a caveat to be wary of.
Postponement could cause issues for Rangers
With this request now publicised, Martin simply has to get through against Viktoria to reach the next round, and an exit before will be massively humiliating for Rangers.
Should Rangers get through and the St Mirren clash is postponed, losing to Club Brugge or Salzburg with this extra boost will also be embarrassing for Martin, and it could set them back domestically.
If Rangers are playing catch-up to Celtic and their next few fixtures go badly wrong, they could find themselves seven points behind before September, and this would be tough ground to make up.
Rangers have failed to balance their domestic and European fixtures in recent years, and it is hoped that this can change this season under Martin.
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