Rangers now know their path to the play-off round of the Europa League after the convoluted draw was completed by UEFA.
Two home games would have been the ideal scenario given the domestic fixtures that are on the horizon, however, the next best thing was avoiding any long or arduous trips to eastern Europe.
Gibraltar and the Netherlands or Luxemburg are the potential destinations in what would have been great trips for Gers fans as Steven Gerrard prepares to make the group stages for a third year in a row.
First up is Lincoln Red Imps, if you think you’ve heard this name before it’s because they were the side who beat Brendan Rodgers’s Celtic 1-0 in his first competitive game in charge, a similar scoreline would see Rangers eliminated with all of the games being a one-off knockout fixture.
If the Imps can be successfully negotiated another familiar face could be on the horizon with Proges Niederkorn or Willem II of the Eredivisie the possible opponents in the third qualifying round.
Gerrard has faced tougher opposition in continental football but, again, the cup final nature of the process this season ramps up the pressure on what are sure to be nervous affairs.
How far will Rangers get in the Europa League?
2nd Qualifying Round
3rd Qualifying Round
Play-off Round
Group Stages/Knock-outs
The final play-off round opponents won’t be known for some time as there will be teams dropping down from the Champions League to add to the likes of AC Milan and Tottenham Hotspur in a race to the group stages.
It could have been worse, but Rangers fans should still be confident of at least making it to the final stage of qualifying as the Gers gaffer looks to continue his impressive record in European football, it’s just a shame that they won’t be in attendance to cheer him on.