Malik Tillman will be looking to crush Rangers' Champions League dreams after representing the Glasgow giants in last season's competition.

The 21-year-old midfielder spent the 2022-23 campaign on loan at the Gers from Bayern Munich and was a standout performer.

But he has now completed a temporary switch to PSV Eindhoven, who are the final obstacle in the Scottish side's European qualification quest.

Ahead of tonight's Champions League play-off first leg at Ibrox, we shine the spotlight on Tillman.

Scottish success

Tillman was a huge hit in Glasgow last term, scoring 10 goals and assisting four more in the Scottish Premiership.

The versatile attacker's electric displays saw him named PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year and earn a place in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year.

Rangers boss Michael Beale was quick to heap praise on Tillman following his appointment last November.

After his first game in charge, a 3-0 friendly win over Bayer Leverkusen, he said: "It's a pretty obvious one. I really like Malik.

"He is a fantastic talent. He wants to play slightly higher. We're going to give him the freedom to run out of that midfield and get into the positions he was in today.

"You can see what he could grow into. He's the exact type of player that we want at this football club. 

"I don't know the exact fee, I don't know where we're going to go and get it from but if we can do it, I would definitely sign Malik Tillman, yes."

Transfer saga

Rangers were eager to keep hold of Tillman for this season, only for Bayern to scupper the deal and pave the way for his recent move to PSV.

Beale explained: "We stuck to our side of the agreement. Quite frustratingly, Bayern stuck to their side and did the buy-back that they had.

"Malik knows that outside of the games against Rangers that he has got our full support. He was fantastic for us. 

"I spoke to him a lot over the summer. He is just back from a long-term injury and I think it is a good move for him.

"We wish him well, outside of these games obviously."

Point to prove

Tillman has been named in PSV's squad for the European encounter in Glasgow, although he is unlikely to start so soon after recovering from a hamstring injury.

However, Rangers will be acutely aware of the threat the American international could pose as an impact substitute.

The youngster is the complete package from an attacking sense, possessing the ability to score all types of goals, beat a man with dribbling and create chances for team-mates.

Tillman also stands at an imposing 6ft 2in, which makes him a significant aerial threat in both boxes.

He will not be taken aback by the hostile atmosphere at Ibrox either, something many visiting talents have fallen foul of down the years.

PSV boss Peter Bosz would perhaps be wise to set up a reunion between his new acquisition and tonight's opposition under the lights.