Rangers are set to complete their journey back from the bottom of Scottish football when they return to the Champions League group stage for the first time in 12 years.
Gio van Bronckhorst has enjoyed his fair share of European success as both a player and a manager, and will look to continue the momentum of reaching the Europa League final last term into Group A. Ajax are first up for The Light Blues and the Dutch champions will provide a stern test of Rangers' resilience as they rub shoulders with Europe's elite once again.
In a group that includes Liverpool and Napoli, a positive result in Amsterdam could be vital to Rangers' hopes of keeping their European adventure alive beyond the World Cup in Qatar. However, there is plenty of big decisions to be made over the XI that take to the field in the Netherlands following the Scottish Premiership drubbing at the hands of Celtic. It's high time for a response.
Jon McLaughlin's spot as number one has been called into question, while Alfredo Morelos and Ben Davies will hope to be back in the manager's thoughts following defeat in Glasgow's east end. It's a massive night for Van Bronckhorst and the club. Record Sport have noted five things we spotted from Rangers' training before a return to European football's top table
Back at the back?
Ben Davies hasn't featured for Rangers since picking up a knock against St Johnstone on his first start for the club, missing blockbuster fixtures including the Champions League playoff clashes with PSV and the derby day showdown with Celtic. But could he be back in time for Ajax?
James Sands has filled in as part of the back four alongside Connor Goldson, but the return of the summer recruit from Liverpool could give Rangers a massive lift at the Amsterdam Arena. He made a blink and you'll miss it appearance at training as he was put through a drill alongside James Tavernier and Fashion Sakala.
Could he start against Ajax? Gio van Bronckhorst has a big call to make.
Are you watching, gaffer?
It's been a forgettable start to the season for Alfredo Morelos. He has been bombed out of the Rangers squad by Gio van Bronckhorst over behind the scenes issues, but was drafted back into the squad at Celtic Park.
He failed to make an impact on the derby, and will hope he can find his best form against Ajax in the Champions League. The Colombian looks to have knuckled down at Auchenhowie, as he looks to catch the attention of the Ibrox boss. Antonio Colak has made a strong case to be the first-choice striker at Ibrox this term. However, Morelos will hope he is allowed the chance to add to his tally of Rangers' all-time leading European goalscorer.
The goalkeepers' union
Jon McLaughlin had a performance to forget against Celtic. The finger of blame was firmly pointed at the Ibrox number one following the 4-0 drubbing in Glasgow's east end.
His howler for David Turnbull's fourth has only ramped up the calls to bring back Allan McGregor between the sticks for the clash at Ibrox. The duo put the pressure to one side behind the scenes at Auchenhowie. Gio van Bronckhorst has a big decision to make over the number one, but the pair appeared relaxed over the bid to land the gloves.
The secret meeting
John Lundstram has saved some of his best performance in a Rangers' top for the European stage. The midfielder will have to recapture the form he showed on route to the Europa League final if Rangers are to take their first points of the group stage.
No doubt, Gio van Bronckhorst knows he will need Lunsdtram to be at his best, and will have a specific role in mind for the 28-year-old against Ajax. The Dutch boss appeared to be communicating his masterplan to one of his key men before jetting out to the Netherlands, but what do they have in store for Alfred Schreuder's men?
Out of Fashion?
Fashion Sakala has been on the fringes of the Rangers squad this season, having made just one start this term and two appearances off the bench. But with the transfer window now closed the forward has to make his claim for a spot in the Ibrox starting XI.
Despite his lack of minutes, the Zambia international was in high spirits at the final training session before the squad jet out to the Netherlands. Could the pacy attacker have been told he is in for a chance of a key role against the Dutch champions? Maybe the smiling Sakala and Van Bronckhorst have a left-field plan.
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