Michael Stewart claims Rangers 'desperately need' Champions League cash as he warns of Ibrox fire sale

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Pundit Michael Stewart reckons Rangers must find a route into the Champions League to keep their key players this summer. Celtic hold the advantage in the Scottish Premiership going into Sunday's derby clash at Celtic Park.

A title victory for Ange Postecoglou's men looks certain to guarantee a spot in the Champions League group stage and a huge £40million jackpot next season.

If Rangers cannot make a late surge to the title, they could also qualify for Europe's elite competition with a Europa League victory.Stewart insists it's not an impossible task for Gio van Bronckhorst's men to overcome a 1-0 deficit at Ibrox in the second leg against RB Leipzig.And the former Hearts and Hibs midfielder believes that could be key to keeping key men like Alfredo Morelos and Joe Aribo at the club.

Speaking on Rangers semi-final second leg on Thursday, Stewart told BBC Sportsound: "Without question, it is a huge, huge game, a massive opportunity and to go and play in the Europa League final would be a career high, no doubt about it. "And by the way we've not touched on the possibility of if Rangers are to get through to the Europa League final keeping alive the possibility of winning the trophy - and getting through to the group stages of the Champions League. "We have spoken all season about the desperate need to win the Premiership because of that automatic place in the group stages, not really thinking that the opportunity of winning the Europa League was realistic.“But when you look at the last four Rangers are there, they have a home tie and the game is still alive no doubt about it.