JON DAHL TOMASSON is pleased to see Rangers 'back where they belong' ahead of their Champions League clash with Malmo.

Steven Gerrard's side face the Allsvenskan title holders in the first leg of their third qualifying round tie on Tuesday evening.

It will be the first time in a decade that Rangers have participated in the Champions League following their Premiership triumph last term.

A meeting with Olympiacos or Ludogorets awaits in the play-off round as Rangers set their sights on the group stages.

And Malmo boss Tomasson knows his side will be in for a tough challenge at home and away against a Light Blues outfit that romped to title glory ahead of Celtic last season.

Tomasson: “Rangers have two great teams. They can put two great teams on the pitch.

“It’s a club with tremendous history. It's good to see them back where they belong actually.

“The club and the manager Steven Gerrard have done an excellent job.

“Of course they are the favourites to win this game but football is tough and it’s not always the favourites who win.

“We’re a side that’s used to winning as well and of course we believe in ourselves.

“We know we’ll need to find something special against Rangers. I’m a bit disappointed it won’t be a full house at the Eleda. Instead it will only be five or six thousand.

“Next week it will be a different story but it is an exciting game and these are the ties which can make a player’s career.

“Rangers have a great side. They are used to winning and did that last season with a big difference in points if you compare them to Celtic.

“But we also won the league here with a big difference over second place. I think we scored the most goals having not won a trophy for two or three years so it was a big season."