TOM LAWRENCE is looking forward to Rangers testing themselves in the Europa League.
Philippe Clement’s side will come up against Tottenham, Manchester United, Lyon, Olympiacos, Union SG, Malmo, FCSB and Nice this term.
English Premier League side Spurs, French club Lyon, Belgian outfit Union and Romanian’s FCSB will travel to Ibrox, while the Light Blues will head for Old Trafford, Conference League champions Olympiacos, Swedes Malmo and French side Nice.
The draw sees former Red Devils midfielder Lawrence take on his old side, and while he credits United for launching his career, he says he won’t be overawed by returning to Manchester.
Speaking exclusively to the Rangers website, he said: “We are excited by the draw and it will bring us some good tests.
“They are all good teams, that’s why they are in the competition, but European games are ones to look forward to.
“I have been a Manchester United fan since I was a young boy, so it is nice to come up against them.
“But I have played against them for other clubs before, so it isn’t a new experience for me going up against them.
“It is always exciting going back to the club you support.
“When I think back on my time at Manchester United I have loads of great memories and they paved the way for my career.
“The day I made my debut for them against Hull City was an unbelievable moment for me. I am looking forward to going back to Old Trafford and this is a test in the group we are looking forward to.”
Lawrence relishes the different challenges a European game can bring.
The new Europa League format sees a 36-team league, with the top eight clubs, after the eight games, going through, with teams placed ninth to 24th playing against one another in a play-off to reach the last-16.
The Welsh international knows the new set-up is a trip into the unknown, but he insists they will face it head on.
He added: “I have enjoyed the European nights that I have played in for the club.
“It brings the best out of everyone and they are the games you want to play in and they are always a test, no matter who you come up against.
“It is a new format so it is going to be different for everyone involved.
“But it is exciting and we don’t really know what to expect with this full league system.
“We can’t wait for it to come around and hopefully it can favour us.”
Meanwhile, Ross McCausland can’t wait to sample more European nights after opening his Gers account on that stage.
The Northern Irish international fired home against Aris Limassol at Ibrox during the Europa League campaign last November.
The academy graduate says he enjoys taking on some of the continent's finest sides and hopes Clement’s men can enjoy another Euro run.
He said: “We are delighted with the draw and we will go up against some top sides and you want to face teams of that level.
“These are massive games and to go to face teams like Manchester United, Olympiacos, Malmo and Nice away will be another test. Then we have the four home games as well.
“We have to believe we can get results on the European stage, we got a Europa League final the other year and topped the group last season, so we have done well in recent years.
“I love the European games and they are always special and the fans play a huge part in making them so unique.”