Rangers chief executive Martin Bain refused to countenance the prospect of the Ibrox club coming to the end of the road in the Champions League.
Only the champions of Scotland will get in to the Champions League qualifiers next season - where traditionally Scottish clubs have struggled - and the country's plummeting co-efficient means guaranteed places are likely to be a thing of the past.
Ahead of the club's final Group C clash with Bursaspor on Tuesday, Bain said: "I wouldn't really put it as the last Champions League game. It's obviously going to be difficult in terms of the co-efficient going forward for everyone in Scottish football but there is always a chance that you can qualify."
He added: "So we are not going to put it down as the last Champions League game, that would be a bit defeatist. I think there is every chance that Rangers can qualify in the future."
Bain also refused to discuss the prospect of Scottish tycoon Craig Whyte buying the club from Sir David Murray, saying: "You would be expecting this answer from me but it is wholly inappropriate for me to comment at this stage in time, that is between the Murray Group and any potential acquirer."
However, he was more lucid and upbeat about the club's European hopes.
Bain acknowledged the wider significance of three points against the Turkish club who have lost all five Group C games in what is their first appearance in the competition,
"There is a bit of weight on our shoulders," he said. "It is an important game in a number of ways.
"It is an important game for pride, an important game in that you are playing in the Champions League and an important game for euro - as we obviously get euro if we win or get a draw - and it is important for co-efficient points as well.
"It is unfortunate for the whole of Scottish football that we have reached this stage in terms of co-efficient but our own club in particular has equipped ourselves extremely well in Europe over the last couple of years. But it is a collective effort so we will see where we go."
Source: PA
