Clement axes 28-year-old in two changes - Rangers confirmed XI v Dynamo Kyiv

Rangers are hoping to make a strong start to their European campaign against Dynamo Kyiv in the third qualifying round of the Champions League on 6 August.

Philippe Clement has made two changes from the side who drew 0-0 with Hearts in their Premiership opener at Tynecastle on 3 August, with Leon Balogun and Ross McCausland the new faces coming in.

Ben Davies has been axed for Balogun while McCausland replaces the injured Oscar Cortes.

The Gers side was named on UEFA’s website, and they’ll be keen to get their European campaign off to a strong start at Arena Lublin in Poland, in the first match of a two-legged tie against the Ukrainian side.

Still no new Rangers faces as Philippe Clement plays it too safe

Gers fans will be displeased with the back five Clement has named to take on Dynamo, with new signing Robin Propper still not included despite John Souttar and 28-year-old Davies being poor at Tynecastle.

Although Balogun does come in for Davies, Souttar retains his place in the middle, with Propper one of four news signings left on the bench by Clement.

Jack Butland starting in goal with the defence flanked by Ridvan Yilmaz and captain James Tavernier won’t come as a surprise to many, nor will Mohamed Diomande and Connor Barron in the double-pivot.

Despite both being linked with moves away from the club, Tom Lawrence and Scott Wright start in the number 10 position and on the right flank respectively, with Barron the only new signing in the side.

Barron being the only one of nine new signings in the XI won’t be popular, and nor will Cyriel Dessers seemingly being the club’s only current number nine option – though Danilo is on the bench.

Cortes’ injury against Hearts opened up a spot on the left flank, and although McCausland will want to impress in his first minutes of the season, seeing Vaclav Cerny or even Jefte occupy this position would have been a huge sign of optimism.

Rangers must start on front foot to begin European campaign

Having been second-best for much of their goalless draw at Tynecastle, Clement’s side need to produce a response against a Dynamo side who, like Gers, finished second in their respective league last season.

That doesn’t necessarily mean going on all-out-attack mode – the Belgian’s starting XI selection reflects that – but does emphasise that the Light Blues can’t afford to sit back in the early stages at Arena Lublin.

With the team Clement has named, Gers fans will feel confident of getting at least a draw in this crucial first leg, but after Saturday’s drab draw, the performance must also show signs of encouragement.

In other Rangers news, Clement risks missing the boat on a transfer for a prolific goalscorer who could be an upgrade on Dessers.

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