‘Rangers need Champions League funds to keep pace with Celtic’

Rangers must qualify for the league stage of the Champions League if they are to “keep pace” with rivals Celtic, says former defender Alan Hutton.

Philippe Clement‘s side drew 1-1 in the first leg of their qualifying tie against Dynamo Kyiv thanks to a last-gasp equaliser from Cyriel Dessers and host the Ukrainian side at Hampden in the return leg on Tuesday.

If the Ibrox side progress, they will face either RB Salzburg or FC Twente in a play-off to reach the competition proper.

“It is a huge part of Rangers moving forward,” Hutton said.

“I know it is going to be really difficult getting into the Champions League, they have some big games ahead, first and foremost next week.

“But you have to keep pace with the likes of Celtic who are in the Champions League year after year. They are talking £40million [for qualifying], I think you need that to reinvest.

“Rangers have had a turnover of players and managers in previous years. Philippe Clement signing a new contract and Rangers putting their faith in him hopefully allows him to build what he needs and move forward.

“He will need [funds], it is as simple as that. Rangers can’t stand still.”

Hutton also praised Dessers’ all-round performance against Dynamo, and hopes his first-leg goal can help kickstart a hot streak of scoring.

“I thought he played really well,” Hutton added. “He held the ball up, he was a nuisance to defenders, he was physical and to get his goal at the end, that matches up to his performance, he deserved that.

“And the confidence that will give him moving forward, you really hope he will kick on from there and score the goals you need.”