Rangers hit Lowland League roadblock as elite tournament organisers claim fifth tier clubs denied entry

Rangers were prevented from playing in one of Europe's most prestigious youth tournaments by Lowland League clubs, according to event organisers.

The Ibrox side were invited to play in Germany's famous Obendorf Tournament for Under 19s, which attracts some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

But although they accepted the invitation, they realised the tournament would potentially clash with the opening day fixtures of the Lowland League for the coming season, at the end of next month.

Rangers, along with Celtic and newcomers Hearts, were controversially allowed back into the fifth tier league as 'guest clubs' after a u-turn by clubs who initially weren't happy at three Premiership Colts teams being included

And Obendorf Tournament director Oliver Hauer has revealed Rangers wanted to postpone their opening day fixture in the Lowland League so they could allow their youngsters to play Schalke, Freiburg and FC Midtjylland in the tournament instead.

However, they were denied permission to postpone games and their place has now be taken by Champions League semi-finalists Villarreal.

Hauer said: "We agreed with Rangers to play - what was missing was approval from the Scottish associations. "Rangers already play with their Under 19s in a Scottish league and their first matchday was the same time as the tournament at the end of July.

"The Scottish associations left the decision to the other teams and Rangers had a week to convince their opponents.

"But they wouldn't agree to it in the end and we can't change their vote.

"Rangers didn't agree with this decision either as they sadly assured me on the phone.

"We will definitely try to sign the Scots for one of the next tournaments. Because Rangers really wanted to come.

"Thankfu