Former Rangers midfielder John Lundstram might have found himself starting every match with his new Turkish friends, but he has fared no better in Europe as Trabzonspor crashed out of the Europa League at the first attempt, being gubbed soundly by SK Rapid of Austria.

In a reminder that the grass isn’t greener on the other side, the hero of Rangers’ run to Sevilla in 2022 will now have to contend himself with the playoff round of the Conference League while Rangers are comfortably in the group stage of the Europa, even if it’s by far not our preference.

Lundstram swapped Ibrox for the Super Lig after Rangers and he could not come to agreement – he did, in fairness, want to stay, but no deal could be struck and off he popped to southern Europe.

Sadly for Lunny he will play only in Europe’s most bottom-feeding competition, if Trabzonspor even get there, after the Austrians dumped them out, winning both legs.

It’s a wake up call for him and other players who felt they could go onto bigger and better things, albeit we are being a little unfair on him given he did want to stay.

It does mean Borna Barisic is also in the Conference League as well, but the Croat has been a fringe player since joining, Trabzonspor preferring Erin Elmali in that position.

Either way, neither of them will be close to a decent level of European football this season, even if they manage to get to the group stage….