STEVEN GERRARD’S pursuit of Europa League football continues as Rangers travel to Macedonian minnows FK Shkupi. Gerrard’s side enter the competition at the first qualifying stage and are hoping to avoid a repeat of last year’s exit which saw Pedro Caixinha’s flops dumped out by Progres Niederkorn. Gerrard, McAllister and Co travel to Macedonia for return clashWillie Vass Shkupi star Muharem Bajrami claimed Gerrard would suffer the same fate as the Portuguese coach. But the first leg saw Gers win 2-0 thanks to goals from Jamie Murphy and James Tavernier. When is FK Shkupi vs Rangers? The match takes place on Tuesday July 17. Kick-off will be at 4.55pm UK time and 5.55pm local time. The clash will take place at the Philip II Arena. Is the game on TV and can I live stream it? Premier Sports – who broadcast last year’s Progres humiliation – will show the away leg live. Click HERE for information on how to sign up to the channel. Most Read in Football SHOCK SWITCH Adam Rooney on verge of joining Man United’s Class of 92 stars’ Salford City TICK TOCK Rangers ‘frustrated’ over Cooper bid as Solanke loan deal remains possibility TUG OF WAR Celtic could rival Rangers for Milad Mohammadi as they weigh up summer move YOUNG GUN Celtic complete signing of highly-rated Arsenal youngster Armstrong Okoflex On the up John Sutton says everyone apart from Chris and Celtic fans want Gers to do well IF ONLY Cummings admits he wishes he was given a chance at Rangers in farewell message Who are Shkupi? FK Shkupi have a short but contentious history. Macedonian side FK Sloga Jugomagnat merged with FC Albarsa in 2012 due to finacial difficulties and formed FK Shkupi. However, Shkupi are not recognised as successors to Sloga according to the Football Federation of Macedonia and both clubs trophies and records are kept separate. They first won promotion to the Macedonian First League during the 2015-16 season and achieved their highest ever finish – fourth – last season earning them a place in Europe for the first time. SHKUPI DOO Is Rangers vs FK Shkupi on TV? Live stream, team news and kick-off time How successful are Shkupi? FK Shkupi have never won a major domestic trophy. However, their ‘predecessor’ FK Sloga Jugomagnat enjoyed a spell as the top team in Macedonia in the early 2000’s. They won the league three years in-a-row between 1998/99 and 2000/01. They also won the Macedonian Football Cup on three occasions. Do Shkupi have any big stars on their books? There are no players that standout as stars in the FK Shkupi squad. Attention should be paid though to Blahze Ilijoski. The journeyman striker has played for 11 teams in his 16-year career – including five different spells at Rabotnichki. The 33-year-old scored 12 goals in 17 appearances last season to fire Shkupi into the Europa League qualifier spot. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news, transfers and goals from Scottish football plus fixtures, results and live match commentary
Source: Scottish Sun, News
Source: Scottish Sun, News
