BUSH-WHACKED
Rangers face return to Progres or trip to Holland Celtic’s boot in Baltics after their CL horror show Dons and Well forced to travel twice in hell draw
CELTIC could be set for a Europa League trip to the Baltics having been frozen out of the Champions League.
And Rangers could face yet another journey back to Luxembourg for another haunting encounter with 2017 conquerors Progres Niederkorn.
Scotland’s four representatives, including Aberdeen and Motherwell, are facing more foreign travel for the third qualifying round if Steven Gerrard’s side, the Dons and the Steelmen manage to overcome their away days in round two.
Celtic’s first mission in the second-tier tournament will see them board a flight to tackle either Latvias Riga or San Marino outfit Tre Fiori.
Neil Lennon’s side dropped out of the elite event when they lost to Ferencvaros in the Champions League while Riga also dropped out of the main competition when losing to Maccabi Tel Aviv, whilst part-times Tre Fiori were ousted by Linfield.
Rangers, Aberdeen and Motherwell must all come through away games in the second round before joining Celtic in phase three of the qualification process and will also be digging out passports for a second straight midweek if they do so.
Gerrard’s team, who face Lincoln Red Imps for their first assignment, may have to go back to Luxembourg.
The minnows consigned Gers to the worst defeat in their European history when Pedro Caixinha’s outfit were dumped out before the Portuguese gaffer departed.
Gerrard’s men, though, are more likely to face Williem II with the Dutch outfit strong favourites to defeat Progres in the second round.
Aberdeen and Motherwell are both facing stiff away challenges in the third round if they win their next ties.
Derek McInnes’ side face Norwegians Viking in the next round and victory will book them a crack at Sporting Lisbon.
McInnes said: “We need to try and get through and play Sporting Lisbon which is a mouthwatering tie.
“It is just a pity supporters won’t be allowed into that game. We need to try and get through the first match first. because that will be tough.”
Motherwell will be heading for a showdown either with Albanians KF Laci or Israels Hapoel Be’er Sheva if they manage to beat Coleraine.