Russell Martin says Rangers ready to give Champions League 'a right go'

Russell Martin says Rangers will 'attack' the Champions League after progressing to the third round of qualifying.

Djeidi Gassama turned super-sub once again with a crucial goal as the Ibrox side beat profligate Panathinaikos 3-1 on aggregate in Athens.

Leading 2-0 from the first leg at Ibrox, only another fine performance in the Olympic stadium from Gers keeper Jack Butland, who thwarted the Greek side in Govan, kept the tie goalless at the break.

Filip Djuricic opened the scoring with a header in the 53rd minute but moments after climbing off the bench, Gassama, who scored after coming off the bench on his debut last week, levelled at 1-1 with a stunning drive.

A remarkable start to the 21-year-old's Rangers career took the heat out the home side's fightback, although Russell Martin should not be fooled, his side rode their luck for the second time against Panathinaikos, who will rue a series of missed opportunities over the two games.

Czech side Viktoria Plzen await in the next round after they saw off Servette.

After the game, head coach Martin said: "I've just said to the players in the dressing room, I'm so proud of them.

"To be five weeks into the process, from where they were to where they are is incredible.

"It's never easy away from home. A really difficult place to come. They really dug in and that's going to be important for us.

"Big John (Souttar) and Nasser (Djiga) were fantastic.

"Jack Butland's been brilliant over the two games but we need to rely on him less.

"We spoke about the importance of the subs before the game and they did great.

"It's no mean feat. We've qualified for the Europa League and now we can really attack the Champions League and give it a right go."

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