In a change from the usual procedure, Rangers have opted not to fly home immediately after European action.
The decision to stay put in Armenia will have an impact on preparations for the game against Celtic but that is the deliberate intention.
With a relatively long flight back to the UK, approximately 5.5 hours, the management have decided that an overnight stay is in the best interests.
Rangers return to Glasgow will be later than usual as the decision was made to stay over in Yerevan to control nutrition, sleep and travel load.
Plane due to land home mid-afternoon tomorrow.
— Graeme Hanna (@graeme818) August 26, 2021
The information was revealed by Gary McAllister in the post-match interview from Yerevan (below) this evening, going on to state that the players would have a light workout in the hotel pool tomorrow morning before leaving in the early afternoon.
As a result, it means the travelling Rangers party are likely to arrive back in Glasgow at around 4-5pm on Friday.
ImpactÂ
Good or bad choice?
With a three hour time delay, an immediate departure would have meant the group would be getting to bed around 3-4am (UK) with disruption to food and fluid intake as well as sleep.
By staying in Armenia, there is more control and that is what has influenced the decision.
Rangers will then re-group at Auchenhowie and ramp up preparations for the Old-Firm Sunday showdown.
One last big push is required for a positive result to conclude a frantic period, ahead of the first international break of the season.
Press Conference – Gary McAllister speaks after the match in Yerevanhttps://t.co/mpue09KKA4
— Mark Dingwall (@GrandmasterSuck) August 26, 2021