Rangers step into the spotlight tonight with the stakes at their highest yet under Russell Martin. The Champions League playoff against Club Brugge is more than just a tie, it’s a line in the sand.
Progression secures the financial muscle and prestige of the league phase, while failure adds more pressure on the new head coach after a less than stellar start to his Ibrox career.
Martin finalised his 25-man squad last night, making one late alteration as Jayden Meghoma was drafted in at the expense of Nedim Bajrami.
The Albanian international drops out despite his impressive man-of-the-match performance at the weekend, a decision that has raised eyebrows among supporters.
Kieran Dowell, despite his patchy form, retains his place and looks set to play a role in the biggest match of the season so far.
Meghoma in, Bajrami out: Rangers confirm updated UCL squad for Club Brugge showdown
Rangers vs Club Brugge: Champions League Playoff Preview, TV Channel, Team News & Referee
All French officiating team appointed for Rangers Champions League Playoff
Dowell v Bajrami: A Divisive Call
For many, the manager’s choice says more about circumstance than quality.
Bajrami has offered energy and spark in his fleeting appearances, capped by a goal against Alloa that underlined his attacking instincts.
His eye for a pass makes him a natural fit for European football, where moments of individual initiative can decide ties.
Dowell, by contrast, has struggled for rhythm since returning from Birmingham. Often cautious in possession and lacking dynamism, he has yet to convince a sceptical fanbase that he can be a difference-maker in high-pressure games.
The boos that greeted his arrival against Dundee show how the support feel about the former Norwich man.
Yet, Dowell stays while Bajrami goes. The logic appears twofold: trust in experience, and a pragmatic nod to the transfer market.
Bajrami continues to be linked with a move before the deadline, and Martin may feel there is little point building plans around a player who could be gone in a fortnight.
Dowell, for all his faults, is part of the picture in Martin’s eyes, despite fan disapproval.
The European Context
Beyond the midfield debate, Rangers face a stern test against a Brugge side well-drilled, experienced, and comfortable on the continental stage.
The Belgians will not be overawed by Ibrox, having navigated UEFA Champions League campaigns in recent seasons.
Martin’s side, meanwhile, remain a work in progress. Defensive lapses, lack of ruthlessness in front of goal, and inconsistent intensity have all been recurring themes in the early weeks.
The hope will be that the atmosphere and occasion draw a higher level of performance.
What’s at Stake?
Tonight isn’t just about ninety minutes. It’s about narrative, momentum, and perception. A strong performance at home would not only give Rangers a platform for the return leg but also vindicate Martin’s selection decisions.
Fail to perform, and the exclusion of Bajrami, a player some feel could offer exactly the injection of drive that’s been missing, will be thrown back in the manager’s face.
For Dowell, the tie represents an opportunity to rewrite the script.
Europe is often where reputations are made or rebuilt, and the midfielder will never have a better chance to silence doubters.
For Bajrami, his absence might be a telling sign that his Rangers story is nearing its end.
What is certain is that Rangers cannot afford passengers tonight. Against a savvy Brugge outfit, every selection call will be magnified.
Martin has backed Dowell over Bajrami; by the end of this tie, we will know if that faith was misplaced or rewarded.