The combined Rangers Europa League Final XI as 2008 and 2022 heroes compared

Rangers are gearing up for one of the most important nights of their long and illustrious history as Giovanni van Bronckhorst's men prepare to do battle for this season's Europa League trophy.

It’s the club’s second final in European competition in 15 years, an incredible feat at any point but especially so given what happened in the intervening period.

Back in 2008, the side of legendary manager Walter Smith defied the odds to reach the showpiece in Manchester, where they just fell short to Zenit St Petersburg.

One thing is for sure, no matter what happens in Seville next week, these players will be remembered for generations to come just like the men of Manchester.

But how do the current crop of Rangers stars compare with Smith’s heroes?

So here Record Sport takes on the unenviable task of selecting a combined XI.

Trust us, it wasn’t easy...

The 40-year-old shot-stopper has been inspired form during this season's Europa League run, with outstanding displays against Borussia Dortmund and Red Star Belgrade.

McGregor also passed 100 European appearances for Rangers this season, and given he missed out on the 2008 Final due to injury, it's only fair he takes his place between the sticks in our combined XI.

Neil Alexander proved a more than able deputy for McGregor 14 years ago but he has to miss out this time.

He might be a right-back by trade but Tavernier has been one of Rangers' most potent attackers in Europe this season, with crucial goals against the likes of Braga, Dortmund and RB Leipzig and is the outright top-scorer (seven goals) in the entire competition going into the final.

The 30-year-old sees off competition from Kirk Broadfoot for the right-back slot.

The imposing Spaniard played a crucial role