The Premier League side were the ones to benefit from Crystal Palace being banished from the Europa League, stepping in to take their place. Palace were kicked out on multi-club ownership rules due to the fact John Textor also had a controlling stake in Lyon, also in the competition, at the same time.

Forest headed straight for the league phase without any need for qualifaction and both Old Firm sides now join them after being knocked out of the Champions League at the play-off stage.

Neither Celtic or Kairat Almaty could score across two legs plus extra-time, with the Kazakhstanis progressing on penalties. Rangers were crushed 6-0 by Club Brugge last night, 9-1 on aggregate.

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Players from down south and overseas often wax lyrical about the atmospheres at both Parkhead and Ibrox and now some are keen on sampling them.

Nottingham Forest posted a clip to their socials after asking members of their squad to pick who they would most like to draw in the Europa League.

Midfielder Zach Abbot replies: “I think Rangers would be a good one. Rangers away.”

Former Manchester Citry kid James McAtee says: “Roma. Oh no, Celtic. Yeah, Celtic away”, and Ryan Yates adds: “Celtic away would be good. Roma, Porto.”

Both Glasgow clubs will have a better idea of who they might land in tomorrow’s draw after tonight’s fixtures.

 

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