Rangers in line for Kaunas test
The first step on the road to Champions League glory begins on July 17th
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Friday, 29, Jun 2007 01:43
Scottish Premier League runners-up Rangers could play Lithuanian side FBK Kaunas, owned by Hearts supremo Vladimir Romanov, in the second round of Champions League qualifiers.
The draw for the first two rounds of the qualifying tournament took place in Nyon, Switzerland, today, with the champions of the Welsh, Northern Irish and Republic of Ireland domestic leagues entering at the earliest stage.
Welsh champions The New Saints – formerly known as Total Network Solutions – have been drawn to play Latvian side Ventspils in their opening two-legged tie, the winners of which will play Austrian side FC Salzburg.
Linfield, who won the Irish Football League, face a tough task against Swedish champions Elfsborg. The Scandinavians have a number of players with English Premiership experience in their ranks, including former Southampton midfielder Anders Svensson and Crystal Palace and Charlton old boy Mattias Svensson.
Republic of Ireland champions Derry City also have a tricky tie against Armenian side Pyunik and will play Ukrainians Shakhtar Donetsk in the second round, should they progress.
FBK Kaunas play Montenegrin champions Zeta in the first qualifying round, with Rangers awaiting the winner in the second qualifying round.
The two English teams forced to qualify for the Champions League groups in 2007/08 season – Arsenal and Liverpool – will join the competition in the third qualifying round, with the winners of these ties entering the draw for the 32-team group stage.