Robin Propper makes Rangers transition admission as Scottish Premiership contrast with Europe laid bare

Robin Propper admits he underestimated the challenge he’d face from domestic rivals in Scotland. But the Dutch defender sees no reason why his new side can’t force themselves into the calculations for the Europa League last 16.

It’s been a tough transition for the 31-year-old since his summer switch from FC Twente, with Propper struggling to get to grips with the Premiership’s physical edge. But in European action, he’s looked more at home and was again a cool, composed figure as Rangers ran riot on the Riviera. The 4-1 victory means Gers move on to 10 points - which should guarantee them a place in February’s play-off stage.

They could yet skip that round altogether and qualify directly for the last 16, which starts in March, if they finish in the top eight of the new-look UEFA competition’s league phase. And Propper reckons his side need to aim high as they look ahead to their three final fixtures, with dates against English big guns Tottenham and Manchester United to come before their final clash at home to Belgians Union Saint Gilloise.

He said: “We have 10 points now, and I think that's a really good start to begin with. But [finishing in the top eight], that’s difficult because every game is really difficult in the Europa League.

“We have a lot of big opponents coming ahead of us, like three big opponents. But we want that, of course. You want to be in the top eight, we want to qualify, so, yeah, we'll try that.”

Propper is trying his best to raise his domestic performance levels after a torrid start. But he’s confident that with time and patience from the Light Blues legions, he’ll get there.

Asked if playing in Scotland had been tougher than he expected, he admitted honestly: “Yeah, maybe. Maybe I underestimated