RANGERS have confirmed the dates and kick-off times for their Champions League clashes with Malmo FF or HJK Helsinki next month.

Steven Gerrard's side return to European action on Tuesday, August 3 as they attempt to move within one tie of a place in the lucrative group stages at the first time of asking.

The champions have reached the knock-out rounds of the Europa League in the last two seasons and will now have a crack at the premier club competition on the continent following their Premiership title triumph last term.

Malmo or Helsinki will stand in Rangers' way next month and the first leg in either Sweden or Finland will kick-off at 7pm local time as Gerrard's side look to bring a positive result back to Ibrox for the second fixture.

That home clash is set to be watched by a capacity home crowd and the tie on Tuesday, August 10 will kick-off at 8pm as Rangers attempt to clinch a spot in the play-off round draw and give themselves a shot at a group stage berth.