Europa League: Nice take Rangers back to European beginnings

The two points Nice have managed have, unsurprisingly, come at home – a creditable 1-1 against Real Sociedad before coming from two down to earn a draw in the last round of matches against Twente.

It is unsurprising because they are unbeaten on home territory this season, holding leaders Paris St-Germain and fourth-placed Lille, beating Monaco – who are second – not to mention an 8-0 thrashing of St Etienne.

Nice did not look entirely convincing, though, in again coming from behind to beat Strasbourg on Sunday, having switched from Haise’s usual three at the back to a four.

That, in part, may be down to a host of unavailable players, which should aid Rangers’ cause.

Last season’s top scorer, Nigerian striker Terem Moffi, and influential midfielder Morgan Sanson – who joined from Aston Villa last summer – are on the long-term injury list.

There are also doubts over regulars such as right-back Jonathan Clauss, Tunisia left-back Ali Abdi and defensive midfielder Youssouf Ndaysimiya, while first-picks Moise Bombito, the Canada centre-back, and midfielder Sofiane Diop are suspended.

Nice do still have some quality players available though, with former Everton youth forward Mohamed-Ali Cho catching the eye on Sunday.

However, if Rangers can reproduce their European form rather than the domestic variety, they have every right to feel they can continue their recent impressive away record in the competition and take another step towards the play-off round at least.