Pedro Mendes pinpoints vital Rangers transfer selling points as he insists 'more crackers' are on their way to Ibrox

Pedro Mendes was stunned seeing Rangers blast their way back on to the European football map last season.

But the former Light Blues midfielder is not surprised there are now plenty of star turns heading in the direction of Ibrox to be part of the success story. Mendes still has a lot of affection for the club from his two years in Scotland from 2008. He kept close tabs on his old club during the tough times and joined the continental thrill ride as Gers went all the way to the Europa League Final.

There was heartache in Seville but Mendes is convinced every cloud has a silver lining. The 43-year-old, who notched a screamer in a win at Parkhead 14 years ago, has no doubts the recent influx of new, top talent is down to the exploits of last term. The loss of Calvin Bassey and Joe Aribo has been softened by the exciting arrivals of Rabbi Matonda, Malik Tillman, Antonio Colak, Tom Lawrence, Ben Davies and John Souttar.

And he’s convinced even more crackers will be on the way if Rangers can be Euro shock troops again this season and make it to the group stage of the Champions League. Mendes knows the drill as he arrived at Ibrox on the back of the UEFA Cup run in 2008 and went on to win the title.

The ex-playmaker – who also starred for Spurs, today’s Ibrox glamour friendly opponents – said: “The success in Europe was no doubt seen by players and convinced them to come. They can see there is something special happening here. A team that fights for titles and is competing in Europe is something they want to be part of.

“The Champions League is an even bigger incentive. It’s every player’s objective to play in the Champions League. Rangers have the chance to go into the qualifiers and although it will be tough there is a