Champions League, Group C
Venue: Bursa Ataturk Stadium Date: Tuesday, 7 December Kick-off: 1745 GMT
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live, BBC Radio Scotland

Rangers hope to help Scotland climb the co-efficient table

Rangers chief executive Martin Bain is refusing to contemplate Tuesday's Group C game in Turkey being his club's last ever in the Champions League.

Scotland's champions, who this season went straight into the groups, will be the nation's only representatives next season - and will have to qualify.

"It's obviously going to be difficult in terms of the co-efficient for everyone in Scottish football.

"But there is always a chance that you can qualify," said Bain.

"So we are not going to put it down as the last Champions League game. That would be a bit defeatist.

"I think there is every chance that Rangers can qualify in the future."

Rangers have already finished third in the group and, while Manchester United and Valencia head for the knock-out stages, the Glasgow side will head for participation in the Europa League.

Bursaspor won't want to go through the whole campaign without getting any points Rangers captain David Weir

And a victory against Bursaspor would not only help Rangers secure a place among the seeds for the round of 32, it would help prevent Scotland's co-efficient plummeting further.

"There is a bit of weight on our shoulders," said Bain ahead of a game against a side yet to record a point in Group C.

"It is an important game for pride, an important game in that you are playing in the Champions League and an important game for euro - as we obviously get euro if we win or get a draw - and it is important for co-efficient points as well.

"It is unfortunate for the whole of Scottish football that we have reached this stage in terms of co-efficient, but our own club in particular has equipped ourselves extremely well in Europe over the last couple of years.

"But it is a collective effort, so we will see where we go."

Team captain David Weir thought that Rangers' players were not viewing it as a dead rubber.

"We would obviously like this to be the game whereby we are qualifying for the last 16," said the veteran defender.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Give your thoughts on Tuesday's game

"That would be the ideal scenario, but unfortunately that is not the case.

"However, we still have to go and get the three points to finish with eight points and we have that driving us on.

"And also just the pride in playing and trying to put in a good performance on this stage is important."

Weir is expecting Bursaspor to come out determined to put on a show in the final game of their first season in European football's premier club competition.

"They won't want to go through the whole campaign without getting any points, so I'm sure they will be determined to get something on the board and we have to be ready for that," he said.

"They were Turkish champions last season and they are right up there in the league this season and that doesn't happen by accident."

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