LEON BALOGUN says qualifying for the UEFA Champions League group stage would be one of his biggest achievements, as Rangers gear up for their first qualifying match tomorrow evening.
Philippe Clement’s men are in Lublin in Poland for the third qualifying round first-leg tie against Dynamo Kiev, and 36-year-old Balogun says his ambition to reach the group stage is his biggest motivation.
Speaking to the press at this evening’s pre-match press conference, the defender said: “We have spoken about finances and all these things before and obviously they play a big part for various reasons, but for me reaching the group stage is the biggest motivation.
“I have never played in the Champions League, I have played in qualifiers before, for Rangers as well, it didn't work out.
“At this stage of my career it would be one of my biggest achievements, that is my personal motivation and I'm sure every single player who came out here today has their own individual reasons to go to the group stages.
“I think everybody is very determined to put in a performance tomorrow. It has obviously been a quick turnaround, but it is a big occasion.
"I am not too fussed about it coming early in the season because I think if you want to play in the Champions League there is no greater motivation in football.”
On what he expects from Dynamo Kiev tomorrow evening, he continued: “They are a very good footballing side, obviously they had a very strong performance in the last qualification round so there is quality there, but we have got quality.
"It is for us to worry about ourselves and make sure we diminish that as much as we can and try to play our football and be successful.”
The match against Dynamo Kyiv will be shown live for international subscribers on RangersTV with a 7pm kick-off UK time.
Fans who are in the UK will also be able to watch the match live with the game being shown on Premier Sports. The BBC will also have live radio coverage and TV highlights of the game.
Fans can also watch the action live from Edmiston House, presented by Park’s Motor Group. With a massive screen, lights and sound system which brings you closer to the action. Additional screens will also be in place to ensure everyone has a great view.
Event Date: Tuesday 6th August 2024
Doors Open: 5.30pm
Kick-off: 7pm
Ticket Price: General Admission Standing - £0* - Tickets are free of charge (Max of 4)
You can get your tickets HERE.
With Kyiv unable to play the fixture in their own country, the match will take place in Lublin, Poland as the Gers look to reach the play-off round.
If Philippe Clement's side can get past the Ukrainians, they will face either Austrian outfit RB Salzburg or Dutch side FC Twente.