The draw in Nyon takes place the morning of the first leg of our third-round qualifier against Union Saint-Gilloise on August 2. We will know exactly who we need to overcome to reach the group stages for the first time in more than a decade.

Dynamo Kiev v Strum Graz

A match with the Ukrainians would for some bring back memories of one of the greatest Ibrox reversals in the European Cup when we won 2-0 with a win over Dynamo Kiev in 1987 thanks to goals from Ally McCoist and Mark Falco to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first game. The European campaign was fairly successful, although it was one to forget in the League finishing a lowly third. The club reached the quarter final after beating Dynamo Kiev and Górnik Zabrze before being knocked out by Steaua Bucharest. Last time we played Sturm Graz we lost 2-0 in Austria having obliterated them 5-0 in the reverse fixture at Ibrox; that was 22 years ago though.

Monaco v PSV

Philippe Clement’s Monaco would be a tough game. They have spent almost £30 million on two players alone this summer in Breel Embolo and Takumi Minamino and while we fear no-one in Europe, I do feel at this stage there are lesser possible opponents than this cash rich club that has a knack of always being more than capable.  Ruud van Nistelrooy’s PSV have been living in the shadow of their rivals Ajax in recent years having not won the Eredivise since 2017/18. Like ourselves they are looking to reclaim the dominance of the 00’s. Dutch teams are always tough opponents with the added interest of the rivalry Gio will having been an ex-Feyenoord manager and player. Tough tie but doable and preferred in my book to Monaco.

I estimate on current club rosters and overall form, the two winners of the above ties will be Kiev and Monaco, As we all know anything can happen in football but deep inside, if I’m honest Kiev sounds like the tie I want to give us the best chance of Group stage football in the Champions League.