Dungannon Swifts ace urges Irish Cup winners to make the most of their big shot in Europe
Rodney McAree's side return to European competition for the first time in 18 years against Vaduz on Thursday.
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Daily Record
27 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Rangers alarm bells are deafening as Hotline enters DEFCON mode over 7 rising Ibrox fears amid draw panic
Andy Newport takes your calls as Rangers gear up for their Champions League qualifying clash with Panathinaikos Just 46 days have passed since Russell Martin was handed his brown brogues but the new Rangers boss will have to hit the ground running if he's to avoid a costly tumble at the first hurdle. The Ibrox gaffer will send his new-look Light Blues into battle for the first time on Tuesday night against Greeks Panathinaikos. And they'll need to get off to a flyer if they want to keep their Champions League hopes alive. But Donald Dundas, Uddingston, has his doubts: 'If Russell Martin can negotiate Rangers to progression into the Champions League he deserves all the plaudits that come his way. 'However, I just don't think his squad has had time to truly get into the way it's been suggested he wants them to play. The qualifier has come just too soon after preseason. If I'm being honest, neither of Glasgow's alleged Big Two are Champions League quality.' Dr Robert Pender has similar concerns: 'I worry that having dragged their feet during the takeover process, the old guard in the Ibrox boardroom have hindered Rangers going into this crucial European game. There was just so little time to get players in. If they get through then well done Russell Martin.' Eddie Easson, Fife, said: 'I'm surprised by Keith Jackson's statement about Martin being given time. 'That doesn't happen in the Old Firm, you have to hit the ground running. If Rangers go out of the Champions League at the first fence, the first nail will be hammered into the manager's coffin. Lose the first game against Celtic and the Americans will be on the phone to Wee Barry.' Joe Graham, Garrowhill, feels Gers are still short on a key addition this summer: 'Summarising Russell Martin's signings since his appointment: more than half of the £20million injection has been spent on seven new arrivals so far. 'Albeit very promising but still no progress on securing a top-quality striker or two. "Surely this must be the priority as the domestic season is approaching very fast. The fans won't settle for anything but dominance and a winning start from day one on that front. 'Winning silverware in Europe is always an objective but comes second to dethroning Celtic for the title and the start of 10 in a row.' It remains to be seen how Rangers will fare this week but the Celtic support are growing increasingly confident ahead of the new season after watching Brendan Rodgers' side wipe the floor with Newcastle over the weekend. Kenny Wilson, Moffat, said: 'While I don't read too much into friendly results it's always nice to give a top English team a hiding as they're always putting Scottish football down. 'But it was a good performance and with some big signings surely incoming we're undoubtedly still favourites for the season ahead and not much sleep is getting lost here with what's happening across the city.' But Alan Flett said: 'How much more fickle can Celtic fans get? They beat Newcastle in a kick-about and think they're world beaters! 'If they think that this result will change how the English view our game they are utterly deluded. 'When the real action begins, I have absolutely no doubt that Celtic will, once again, bring Scottish football into disrepute with their pathetic attempts to compete at Champions League level. If they drop into the Europa, they would struggle in that competition as well.' Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football and listen to Record Sport's newest podcast, Game On, every Friday for your sporting fix, all in bitesize chunks.
Scottish Sun
27 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Rangers vs Panathinaikos prediction: Free betting tips and odds for huge Champions League qualifier
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the betting offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. HOME FIRST Rangers vs Panathinaikos prediction: Free betting tips and odds for huge Champions League qualifier Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RANGERS begin their quest to make the Champions League proper when starting with a second round qualifier against Panathinaikos on Tuesday. SunSport betting experts have previewed the game and selected the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners. Sign up for the Rangers newsletter Sign up Find The Sun's betting publishing principles here Free bet offers from our partners Take your pick! Midnite: Bet £10 Get £20 + 50 Free Spins - CLAIM HERE* William Hill: Get your £60 in free bets when you stake a tenner on football - CLAIM HERE* Betfred: Get £50 in free football bets - CLAIM HERE* Parimatch: Bet £10 and Get £30 in free bets & bonuses - CLAIM HERE* BetMGM: Get £40 in free bets to spend on football - CLAIM HERE* talkSPORT BET: Get up to £40 in free bets to spend on football - CLAIM HERE* Tote: Bet £10 & get £40 in bonuses - CLAIM HERE* Rangers vs Panathinaikos preview It's a new era at Ibrox but they need to really hit the ground running on Tuesday night. Russell Martin hasn't had a whole lot of time with his Rangers squad and the new additions are still bedding in. With more additions needed and a new-look ownership group driving for success, progression into the Champions League would make closing the gap to Celtic a bit easier. The quest for that starts now with a first leg tie against Panathinaikos, with the winner of the tie knowing they'll face Plzen or Servette in the third round. Gers have had several behind closed doors friendlies, with Danilo's goals putting him right to the top of the selection order. While new £3.5million star Thelo Aasgaard is a major injury doubt after a thigh knock picked up against Dunfermline last week. Like Rangers, Panathinaikos finished a mile behind their bitter rivals in the league last season - 16 points to be exact. That did see them finish above some other notable European names like PAOK and AEK Athens, so it'll be interesting to see what sort of level that is. Rangers vs Panathinaikos latest odds Rangers at 17/20 with William Hill - CLAIM HERE Draw 12/5 with William Hill - CLAIM HERE Panathinaikos at 3/1 with William Hill - CLAIM HERE Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change. 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Defensively, Gers still look a bit shy of numbers and quality so the Greeks can at least get on the board if pre-season is anything to go by. Rangers to win and BTTS at 11/4 with William Hill - CLAIM HERE *Midnite. 18+ New UK customers. Bet £10 on accas with 4+ legs, min odds 3/1 (4.0). Get 4x £5 Free Bets and 50 Free Spins, valid for 7 days on selected bets and games only. T&Cs apply. *William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. *Betfred. New customers only. 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Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chase their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry, or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here. For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to
STV News
27 minutes ago
- STV News
Scottish sides learn potential Europa opponents in next qualifying round
Rangers and Hibernian have found out their potential opponents in the next qualifying rounds of the Europa League. The draws for the third qualifying rounds of all three European competitions, which are dependent on how the teams fare in their second round ties, are taking place on Monday. In an earlier draw, Rangers learned that if they get past Panathinaikos, they will face the winners of the Viktoria Plzen v Servette tie in the Champions League third-round qualifiers. However, if the Greek side knocks them out of the top competition, they will drop down into the Europa League, where they will take on Besiktas, from Turkey, or Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk for a place in the play-off round. Hibernian start off in the Europa League and will travel to Denmark to play FC Midtjylland in the first-leg of their qualifier on Thursday. If they get through that two-legged tie, then it will be Norwegian side Fredrikstad up next as they look to take another step towards the League Phase of the second-tier competition. If the Easter Road club get knocked out by the Danish side, then they will drop into the Conference League qualifiers. The draw for that competition, which will also include Dundee United, takes place at 1pm. United start off in the third tier, where they will be hoping to get past UNA Strassen from Luxembourg. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
