ALEX MCLEISH reckons an early return to competitive action in the Europa League will be a help rather than a hindrance for Rangers boss Pedro Caixinha this season.
The Light Blues are in their second week of training ahead of the new campaign after being given just a fortnight off following their final Premiership clash with St Johnstone last month.
It has been a productive summer so far for Caixinha as he has bolstered his Gers ranks with the acquisitions of Bruno Alves, Ryan Jack, Fabio Cardoso, Dalcio and Daniel Candeias.
Read more: Alex McLeish: Rangers boss Pedro Caixinha is right to go with tried and trusted signings this summer
And more new faces are set to arrive in the coming days as the Portuguese looks to hit the ground running in his first full term at the helm.
Rangers will discover their potential opponents for the opening two round of the Europa League on Monday before the top flight fixture schedule is released on Friday.
McLeish became the first boss to lead a Scottish side into the last 16 of the Champions League in 2005 but knows Caixinha faces a tough task to make his mark on the continent this time out.
He told SportTimes: “Of course it can help and the sooner the players start to bed in the better.
Read more: Alex McLeish: Rangers boss Pedro Caixinha is right to go with tried and trusted signings this summer
“The more training they do and the more games they play, the quicker the progress will be.
“The work that Pedro can do before the season will help them get ready and there is nothing like playing games.
“You need minutes under your belt to get into that rhythm and get that telepathy with the rest of your team-mates.
“It is a bit daunting for Rangers but it is a great challenge. Rangers are maybe not at the level yet that they can compete in the latter qualifying rounds because you can draw some big clubs. It is all about stepping stones.
“Pedro has brought a lot of players into the squad and he knows what they can do for him.
“Everyone at Rangers will be looking forward to seeing these guys on the pitch and the Europa League games.”
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