FOR some, the Champions League is all about the football. For others, it is all about the finance. To Steven Gerrard, it means both.

The Rangers manager is well aware of the ramifications that a group stage appearance would have on the Ibrox books. It is an opportunity earned on the park, though, and one he is going to savour there.

A first league title in a decade has given Rangers a chance that they have waited some time for and it is one that must now be grasped to ensure the famous theme music reverberates around a packed Ibrox this term.

Malmo or HJK Helsinki will stand in their way early next month, while the opposition they face in the play-off round could present the toughest test of Gerrard's tenure so far.

They are all matches to cherish rather than fear, however, as another marker post on the long long to recovery is approached. Time will tell if Rangers can stride beyond it and return to Europe's premier club competition.

“First and foremost we deserve the opportunity with the way we went about the league campaign and the style we did it in," Gerrard told Sky Sports.

“I don’t think anyone can begrudge us the opportunity to play Champions League football.

“But there’s going to be tough hurdles to get over. It will either be Helsinki or Malmo first up, that will be a challenge but we’ll be ready.

“If we can get over that obstacle we’ll see what awaits in the next round.

“But we’ve still got some days to prepare and to get some individuals up to speed.

“I’ve got the confidence and belief that f we have everyone fit and available and don’t have any Covid interruptions, we’ll have a good strong squad that will give us a good chance to compete and progress.

“It will be a big help in a lot of aspects and departments.

“Obviously the board have been very supportive of me and a lot of people at Rangers have gone deep into their pockets at important times.

“So it will be a fantastic reward for them. The supporters who have backed this club immensely from where it’s been financially, if we can reward the club with that then it will be a big, big time for this football club.

“It’s not just about the money - it’s about success and trophies.

“But when you consider the journey over the last 10 years, then it will be a monumental day if we can achieve that."

The most significant moment of that decade came in May as the Premiership trophy was held aloft and Rangers were confirmed as champions for an emotional 55th time.

After so many years as challengers, Rangers are now champions once again. The dynamic may have altered and the power may have shifted, but the approach remains the same for Gerrard, his staff and squad.

“Not really because we want the hunger and the mentality of the players to remain how it was at the beginning of last season," Gerrard said when asked if the mentality had changed heading into the new season.

“We were very focused coming back during the lockdown and started the season very strong.

“Yeah we’re champions but it’s important we park that up now, re-set and go in with the same mentality which is full of hunger, ambition and desire to make sure this season is a success as well.

“I think what we have to do is to remember the things we did well.

“Defensive wise, our organisation and our shape gave us that real important foundation to win football matches.

“It’s important that we remember what we did well last year but moving forward you’re always looking to improve, tweak and change as you strive to get better.

“We’ve added some new faces into the group, we’re still waiting on players who have been in different tournaments that played a lot longer than last year.

“So we need a few things to fall into place over the next week to 10 days - but come the Livingston game we’re really looking forward to starting the season well."

That visit of Livingston will precede Rangers' return to the Champions League and it is imperative that they get the campaign off to a positive start and maintain the momentum from last term.

When it comes to the domestic cup competitions, it is all about how they finish. Having now failed on six occasions, Gerrard is well aware of the room for improvement when it comes to silverware in Scotland.

Gerrard said: “They’re important. Everything is important at Rangers.

“We want to have a squad that’s capable of competing over the course of a season to attack everything we go in for.

“We’ve spoken about how important Europe is from a financial point of view and it’s also a journey the fans crave and want to go on.

“Domestically we want to attack everything. It goes without saying that our cup performances and results haven’t been good enough over the three years.

“That doesn’t sit right with me so we want to improve in that area.

“But the league is the bread and butter and the league will always be the main priority when it comes to the main domestic things you can achieve."