Former Rangers defender Bruno Alves signs for Parma

Rangers suffered a famous defeat to Luxembourg's Progres Niederkorn at the same stage last year - their first return to European competition in six years.

New signings Lassana Coulibaly and Umar Sadiq are unavailable, but Ben Alnwick, Declan John, Glenn Middleton, Greg Docherty, Andy Halliday, Ovie Ejaria and Ryan Jack on the bench.

When asked about his summer shopping, Gerrard said: "It's hard to put a number on it".

"Good players are on the same wavelength and good players gel pretty quick and that's what we've tried to into the transfer market for - for good players, for talents".

"We feel like we've already improved things a lot but there's still some pieces missing".

The 36-year-old, who has 96 caps for Portugal, joined Rangers last summer from Cagliari.

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard is keen on adding the Lions defender to the ranks as he looks to end Celtic's dominance of Scottish football.

"I've nothing to say on Jake Cooper or any other player that belongs to another club".

The former Liverpool midfielder had his first experience as Rangers manager at Ibrox on Friday night when they Gers tore English League Two side Bury apart to win a friendly clash 6-0.

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