Rangers Champions League qualifying dates against Panathinaikos confirmed as Russell Martin gears for baptism of fire
Gers face a tricky assignment in their bid to get amongst Europe's elite in the coming season
Rangers now know the lay of the land in their Champions League second round qualifier against Panathinaikos after UEFA officially confirmed the dates of the two-legged tie.
New boss Russell Martin has been given a tough task in his first competitive games as Gers boss when his side take on the Greek giants next month.
Rangers haven't reached the group stages - which were revamped into a league format last year - of the competition since the 2021/22 campaign under Gio van Bronckhorst but have decent history against Panathinaikos after dumping them out of the UEFA Cup during their epic run to the final in 2008.
And Gers fans will pack out Ibrox for the first leg clash, which will take place on Tuesday, July 22 with a BST kick-off time of 7.45pm.
The return fixture at the Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium will be held eight days later on Wednesday, July 30 at a slightly earlier UK time of 7pm.
The winner over the two legs will progress to the third qualifying round of the Champions League which will take place over two weeks on August 5/6 and 11/12.
Martin and sporting director Kevin Thelwell are ramping up their attempts to improve the playing squad ahead of the crunch ties next month.
Bournemouth full-back Max Aarons is poised to complete a loan switch to Ibrox, while Leicester City centre-back Conor Coady remains a key target.
New options up front also remain high on the agenda, and while Westerlo frontman Matija Frigan recently expressed his excitement at the potential move to Rangers, a swoop for Israeli striker Dor Turgeman is now looking increasingly unlikely.
Martin is also bracing himself for interest in some of his top men, with midfielder Nicolas Raskin a target for Premier League side Wolves.
The Belgium international is also said to be on Aston Villa's radar as well as several clubs abroad.
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