OPINION
While Rangers fans would love to see their side deal a blow to Celtic on the domestic stage during the upcoming season, they would also ecstatic were the Light Blues able to make some sort of impact on the continent via the Europa League.
The Gers are hoping to make up for 12 months of hurt after last season’s embarrassment at the hands of Progres Niederkorn and have made a good start to proceedings, as a mix of old and new stars saw off the threat of Shkupi with a 2-0 win in the first leg of the qualifying tie.
Now Steven Gerrard and his men face a trip to Macedonia to finish their opposition off and secure their place in the next round – but will seemingly have to do it without the talents of summer signing Scott Arfield, who the Daily Record claim has been left behind as a result of injury.
The former Burnley man limped out of the first leg with 20 minutes left to play, Ovie Ejaria taking his place – and the Liverpool loanee now has the chance to establish himself in the first team while Arfield is missing.
The 20-year-old signed for the Gers on a season long loan deal earlier in the summer, making his competitive debut against Shkupi – and although there might be more established stars battling for a first team role, this is the youngster’s time to shine.
After a pretty impressive cameo in the first leg, any minutes that he is given in Macedonia is his opportunity to make a difference and convince Gerrard he is not just back up but a genuine contender for the starting XI.
He can be a surprise star for Rangers this season – and he must be the silver lining to the cloud that is Arfield’s injury.