TAILOR YOUR STYLE, RUSS

Little urges caution over new passing philosophy

- By Andy Newport

ANDY LITTLE spent his Rangers career cooling his heels on the bench when the big European nights came around.

And he has warned Russell Martin that if he’s serious about beating Panathinaikos, he'll have to consider sticking his bold passing plans into cold storage too.

The Light Blues have been handed a nightmare draw in their opening Champions League qualifier.

Not only will they have to deal with Rui Vitoria’s Greek Super League runners-up, but new boss Martin and his team will also be faced with soaring 30 degree-plus temperatures in Athens when they travel for the second leg in the midweek of July 29-30.

The opening tie at Ibrox in the previous week will come barely a month after the former Southampton coach gets to meet his new team for the first time.

And Little is concerned his old side will still be getting to grips with Martin's intense possession-based blueprint when they step out into the sweatbox that is Panathinaikos’ Alexandras Stadium.

"It certainly could have been easier," said former striker Little after watching the Light Blues miss out on landing possible draws against Swiss side Servette and Brann of Norway.

"Not only the draw but the order of the two fixtures makes it even tougher.