Miller - Gers can progress

Miller: Optimistic

Kenny Miller is confident Rangers can secure UEFA Champions League progress out of a tough group.

The reigning SPL champions have been placed in Group C alongside Manchester United, Valencia and Bursaspor.

They kick-off their campaign at Old Trafford on Tuesday in what promises to be an intriguing curtain-raiser to the new European season.

Few are giving Rangers much of a chance against United in an epic Battle of Britain encounter, and it is expected they will find the going tough against Spanish and Turkish opposition.

Miller, though, believes Walter Smith's men should not be underestimated and is adamant that they are capable of reaching the knockout stage.

He told Sky Sports News: "If you look at our group, there are the Turkish champions (Bursaspor), a Valencia side who are always a top team in the Spanish league and Manchester United, one of the biggest clubs in the world. It's going to be tough for us, but there is no doubt that we can do it.

"We can progress out of the group, but it's going to take a bit of luck and some really good performances over the next two or three months. We have the opportunity to do it, it will be tough, but the first hurdle for us is to get through the group."

Spice

Taking something from their opening encounter with United in midweek would hand Rangers a welcome morale boost.

Miller is looking forward to the eagerly-anticipated tie and sees no reason why the Glasgow giants cannot spring a surprise at the Theatre of Dreams.

"There's always a Scottish/English connection there, it's a Battle of Britain thing and that always adds a bit of spice to the game," he said.

"I think Scottish clubs have actually done not too bad over the last 10 years or so.

"There is a gulf between us and Manchester United, there is no doubt about that, that's why they are one of the favourites to win the tournament. But if we go about our job in the right manner, there is no reason why we can't get a result."