Michael Beale insists Rangers have Champions League jeopardy reassurance as European guarantee provides opportunity

Michael Beale wasted no time lacing up his running shoes when he was presented with the chance to return to Glasgow.

Now he’s challenged his Rangers players to go hell for leather themselves in pursuit of their Champions League dream. Steven Gerrard’s former assistant didn’t need too much persuasion to return to Ibrox last November when he was offered the top job. But it was the prospect of leading the Light Blues out in Europe’s top tournament that had him rushing to take up the offer.

Gers will need to hit the ground running themselves on Tuesday as they look to clear the final hurdle blocking their path to the group stages and a £20million payday. Dutch giants PSV are the side standing in their way but ahead of this evening’s play-off first leg, Beale urged his side to burst out the blocks and ensure they are very least in contention down the final straight in Eindhoven. He said: “Ultimately managing in the Champions League is why I ran back to Glasgow when the opportunity came. Managing this club, those are the opportunities it gives you.

“When I was speaking to the players in the summer, this opportunity was huge. We knew we’d have to overcome two tough ties. We’ve done one and now we’ve got a big challenge over the next 10 days but everyone knows this is the competition the players want to play in.

“You want to pit yourself against the best and our fans want to see the big nights here in Europe, so let’s go hell for leather for that.”

Gers’ previous exploits on the continent mean they start this year’s campaign with a Europa League insurance policy safely tucked in Beale’s back pocket. Dropping down into Uefa’s second-tier tournament does come at a cost though and would see the club bank around £10million less