Rangers will be 'fearful' behind the scenes about outgoings in the summer transfer window, according to former Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny.
The lowdown: Important times ahead
Following the cruel loss on penalties to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League final, the Light Blues missed out on a guaranteed place in the UEFA Champions League group stage next season.
That honour goes to Old Firm rivals Celtic after the cross-city club won the Scottish Premiership title and with it will profit from the financial benefits of a place amongst Europe's elite competition.
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Despite still having the chance to finish the campaign on a high and lift the Scottish Cup, one pundit has already predicted that there could be concern behind the scenes at Ibrox.
The latest: Gers 'fearful'
Speaking to Football Insider, the former Leeds United stopper suggested that it could be difficult for the club to retain its prized assets.
The 44-year-old said: “Without Champions League football, that is something they will have to be fearful of (losing key players).
“Any club who is guaranteed to be in the Champions League has that advantage when it comes to signing players. It would also help if the club are wanting to keep their top players. It’s harder to turn down that move to maybe a better league if you are going to be playing in the Champions League. You wonder how many could go now.
“Of course, they could still get there but there is no guarantee. I’m gutted for Rangers, it would have been great for them to win it. I just wonder about how it will affect their summer.”
The verdict: Time to stick together
Despite the European heartbreak in Seville, in a season whereby the Teddy Bears have seen a managerial change after Steven Gerrard left the club for Aston Villa, cup success against Hearts this weekend would represent a memorable campaign.
Whilst reports of interest in the likes of Ryan Kent have already begun to surface, Giovanni van Bronkhorst has already shown enough in his short spell at the helm to suggest that the hierarchy should give their full backing to the manager regardless of outgoings and allow the Dutchman to spend all incoming funds.
Having already obtained £16million from the sale of Nathan Patterson to Everton in January (Sky Sports), Rangers should be in a healthy position to hold out for maximum value should there be interest forthcoming as expected.
Furthermore, the Gers could still reach the Champions League group stages via the qualification rounds and strengthen the squad tenfold this summer as a result.
In other news, find out whose performance this RFC journalist slammed here!