First start for Cerny after Cortes blow and a Propper headache emerges – how Rangers will line up against Dynamo Kyiv

Philippe Clement hinted he may have to go without his new defensive leader in Robin Propper for Rangers' mammoth Champions League qualifying first leg with Dynamo Kyiv.

The Ukrainian side stand between Gers and a playoff with either FC Twente or RB Salzburg - the winner of that one advancing to the lucrative new league phase of Europe's elite club competition. Rangers are in Poland for the first leg before the return at Hampden next week and are hoping for another big Euro night that can get their season off the ground after a stuttering start against Hearts.

The hope had been that new defender Propper would go straight in for his bow but Clement, speaking at his pre-match press conference, revealed he is fit. But he also hinted he's not quite ready to start just yet. He said: "Robin Propper is fit, but he has had a busy few days off the pitch he has had to sort since arriving in Scotland with his family."

The fact Clement was joined at that presser by Leon Balogun can be taken as a firm hint the experienced Nigerian will start. And, if Propper isn't in just yet, it will be either John Souttar or Ben Davies joining him.

Oscar Cortes will be out for four-to-five weeks with an injury in a hammer blow for Clement but that could open the door to Vaclav Cerny for his first competitive start. He came off the bench against Hearts and will be raring to go here if he gets the nod. Scott Wright or Rabbi Matondo, who was subbed on for Cortes against the Jambos, will battle it out to join him.

Cyriel Dessers seems to have Clement's faith to keep leading the line and he came up with some important Euro moments last season. In behind, it's likely to be Tom Lawrence, with Connor Barron and Mohamed Diomande in support in the No.6