The key Rangers UEFA dates as club gears up for Champions League pathway that could lead to Europa League

The Rangers players have already circled June 27 on their calendars as that dreaded date for a return to pre-season.

It’s the summer slog they usually hate after a well-earned break although skipper James Tavernier isn’t stopping judging by the photos of him training with a personal fitness coach in Dubai.

But for the Ibrox legions the dates they are looking at go beyond that first day back for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men.

Instead, it’s another European journey that is exciting them less than a month after their Europa League Final experience in Seville.

But it’s UEFA’s premier competition they will be hoping to see their team involved in rather than the second tier tournament.

Steven Gerrard’s men suffered a blow in last season’s Champions League bid when they lost to Malmo in the third round qualifier.

And they enter at the same stage again hoping history doesn’t repeat itself as they look to join rivals Celtic in the group stage.

Rangers join the League Path and the good news is that they will be seeded meaning, on paper at least, they should land a favourable tie.

The draw for that will take place on July 18 with the first leg games taking place on August 2/3 and the return fixture a week later.

Potential opponents

Who can Rangers face? That’s the crucial bit. While they are seeded, the Ibrox side still face a tricky tie with Monaco, Sturm Graz, Union Saint-Gilloise and the winner of the match involving Midtjylland, who will play either Fenerbahce and AEK Larnaca, lying in wait.

All games that on paper at least, Rangers would fancy their chances.

But IF the Light Blues can get through that then they will already know their play off opponents with the draw taking place on August 2 and the games scheduled