Rangers travel to Czechia for the second leg of their Conference League play-off tie against Jablonec, holding a slender advantage after Ryan Naderi's only goal at Ibrox. Derek McInnes' side must avoid defeat to secure group stage European football this season, joining Hearts, who have already booked their place in the competition.
Team news and key absentees
The Light Blues will be without Nico Raskin, as the Belgian midfielder nears the Ibrox exit after transfer interest solidified in recent days. Fans have become accustomed to European nights under a succession of managers, and McInnes will be desperate to ensure that run continues.
Pressure and expectations
Goalkeeper Ivor Pandur acknowledged the weight of expectation at the club, saying: "Yeah the expectation levels are different at this club but at the end of the day it’s football. It’s just a game of football and you can only do the best you can. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s not as good. But the pressure will always be there ... and it should be because this is a massive club. Expectation levels should be high. We need to answer those expectations always."
Pandur, a former Hull City shot-stopper, is hoping to make his mark at Ibrox, following in the footsteps of greats like Andy Goram and Stefan Klos. He added: "The manager and I haven’t spoken about those big names from the past, but from my perspective, I just want to be the best I can be, and that way I can help the team. If I end up being one of the best to have ever played for Rangers, then so be it. But for me now, the goal is just to perform as best I can and help the team."
New signing Min-Su Kim
McInnes has completed an £8.5 million move for South Korean winger Min-Su Kim from Girona, on a four-year deal with an option for a further 12 months. The 20-year-old is not eligible for tonight's tie but could make his debut against Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Sunday.
McInnes said: "We are delighted to welcome Minsu to Rangers. Strengthening our options in the forward areas has been a real target and focus for us throughout this window, and we believe he will add another exciting dimension to the squad. Minsu is a talented young player with excellent technical ability, energy and a real desire to develop, and we are looking forward to working with him."
The Gers boss had previously come close to signing PSV attacker Couhaib Driouech, but that deal fell through after an injury issue was revealed in the Moroccan's medical. Rangers are on the brink of spending £19 million on two attackers, and a failure to reach the group stage would leave them without European football this season.
