Thomas Buffel has fired a Champions League warning to his former club after landing Belgian outfit Union Saint-Gilloise in the third qualifying round.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst and his Rangers side are bidding for a place at Europe's top table and will need to successfully negotiate two rounds to join Celtic in the lucrative group stages of the competition. They have discovered their first hurdle in order to reach the promised land with the former Light Blues star admitting it will NOT be an easy tie.
Union made a stunning top flight comeback last season after an extended period in the lower leagues and only lost out on lifting the league crown to Club Brugge in the end of season play-offs. However, they have earned a crack at the big time against the Ibrox men. Buffel is in no doubt Rangers have the experience to get through the two-legged affair and can use their Europa League journey blueprint as the way to get into the hat for the play-off round.
Sign up to Glasgow Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
READ MORE: Kemar Roofe in shock Rangers transfer exit option as League One club 'considering' striker swoop
He knows Rangers will be ready for the tie after falling in the qualifiers last season under Steven Gerrard against Malmo, but has fired out a major warning to the Light Blues.
Speaking to the Daily Record, he said: “Normally, I don’t like to make too many predictions, but this tie is going to be really difficult to call.
"To be fair, Rangers have the experience to get through but they have to think about this game the same way as they did when they played in the Europa League Final. If not, it’s going to be a tough one for them.
“With Giovanni there I know they will prepare properly – there is no doubt they won’t be ready – so I’m hopeful for Rangers that they can go through. But, trust me, this is not going to be easy.”
READ NEXT:
- Rangers transfer exit option for Robby McCrorie as two Premiership clubs 'eye' move
- Rangers injury update on Helander, Morelos and Lowry as Sakala added to mounting injury list
- The best Blackpool v Rangers photos as Light Blues create seaside pyro show and Tillman spotted
