AS the clock ticked down in Maribor last August, it seemed destined that Progres Niederkorn would once again stand in Rangers’ way in the Europa League.

On that occasion, it wasn’t to be and, as it turned out, it was Ufa that were the final hurdle that Steven Gerrard’s side had to overcome on their road to the group stage of the competition.

But the familiar faces of Progres now look like being reunited with Rangers following their win in Cardiff on Thursday night.

If they finish the job, which they should, this week then the Light Blues will be going back to Luxembourg.

The theme of the build-up in some quarters will no doubt be about Rangers earning some sort of revenge for the most embarrassing defeat in their history two years ago.

But that performance will never be forgiven by fans and the result will never be forgotten by those that endured the humiliating night that infamously ended with boss Pedro Caixinha in a bush outside of the Stade Josy Barthel.

That game can never be avenged and a win for the Gers certainly wouldn’t be any sort of revenge. Nothing will ever make up for it.

There will be intrigue and headlines around it, of course, but the history means little to Gerrard’s side. All they can do is what Caixinha and his players should have done and look to sweep Progres aside with ease.

Niederkorn have their place in the record books. Rangers should have a place in the Europa League third qualifying round, though.