RANGERS kick off their quest for Europa League football against Macedonian minnows FK Shkupi. Steven Gerrard’s side enter the competition at the first qualifying stage and will be desperate to avoid any slip-ups after last year’s humiliating exit to Progres Niederkorn. Willie Vass New Gers boss Steven Gerrard will lead his side into Europe against Macedonian minnows FK Shkupi[/caption] We told on Saturday how the game is officially a sell-out. When is Rangers vs FK Shkupi? The match takes place tonight, Thursday, July 12. The game will kick-off at 7.45pm, with Ibrox hosting the European clash. Is the game on TV and can I live stream it? The game will be shown live on BT Sport 1. Coverage begins at 19:15. The game will also be available to RangersTV subscribers outwith the UK. 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 ON THE LINE Caulker fighting for Dundee future after being sent home from training camp RUB IT IN Scotland star Jack Hendry riles England fans after World Cup defeat to Croatia Gers swoop Rangers tracking World Cup somersault defender Milad Mohammadi IN PLACE Celtic could face Valur Reykjavik in Champions League after they beat Rosenborg GROUND WORK Rangers’ plans for stage two of Ibrox refurbishment approved by council chiefs FITNESS FIGHT Steven Gerrard provides injury updates on Jordan Rossiter and Graham Dorrans What is the latest team news? Gers beat TNS 3-1 in a friendly last week and thrashed Bury 6-0 in front of over 40,000 fans on Friday night. But the Shkupi tie will be Gerrard’s first competitive game as manager. With nine signings in the door so far, the new boys could make their competitive debuts in this game. Lassana Coulibaly sealed his switch from Angers on a season-long loan deal ahead of the Europa League deadline. Umar Sadiq joined Coulibaly at Ibrox but is still awaiting international clearance. Allan McGregor, 36, sealed his return to Ibrox earlier this summerWillie VassWho are Shkupi? FK Shkupi have a short but contentious history. Macedonian side FK Sloga Jugomagnat merged with FC Albarsa in 2012 due to final difficulties and formed FK Shkupi. However, the 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. 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. Keith Campbell - The Sun Glasgow Rangers will be looking to avoid a nightmare exit like last season against Progres[/caption] 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
