Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland has been speaking to the press ahead of his side's Champions League qualifier with Dynamo Kyiv.

Read more: Check all the Rangers transfer news & rumours throughout the transfer window

How much have the new faces added to the group?

They have done. I think it’s always important that summer transfers have to make an impact, come in and be the right character which we’ve certainly seen so far. Some have already made really important contributions and hopefully we continue to see that. As players, we have been really pleased with how they have settled in but we all know it is about performing. Vaclav turned up with a brilliant goal at the weekend, Robin looks solid and offers us something different.

Have you learned the lesson of giving players time to show their true quality?

Absolutely. I’ve moved in transfer windows and you need time yourself to adjust, I’ve been through that. I’ve not moved country like some other players who have had to move across the world. I think the club is doing a really good job of helping those guys settle in, being in a different place with a different manager. It can take time but we all know what playing for Rangers is all about, you’ve got to perform and be ready to go. Some have really hit the ground running and others will feature more as we go on.

How challenging are these games with players still settling?

It’s just what you want to be involved in. Every game for this club is a huge one. The expectation is to win and we have ambitions of what we want to achieve. We want to get to the play-off and the Champions League. These are games you don’t want to wait until March for big games, it’s good to have them early. It’s good for the new guys to experience it so early, we are down to business now and these games are important. Tomorrow is no different.

Can you learn lessons from this stage last season?

Absolutely, the start of last season was so difficult for so many reasons. I think we can look back and see that. A lot of changes at the club. I like to think that at the minute we are a lot more settled, started the season in a more positive way than last year although not with a win on the first day. There is a lot more optimism I think. The game itself, we came up against a top, top PSV side last year and that was the mark of where we need to get to. As the season went on we performed extremely well against some big European sides, that is no different tomorrow we need to win that game and we look forward to whoever we have to face next.

Do you feel you’re in the place to reach the group stage?

I think so. We learned a lot from the fixture last week, certain things we could have tidied up on and perhaps gave them a few too many easy opportunities. We certainly felt tactically and in the game, we didn’t feel out of our depth. We could have been better and there is things we can learn from that. There are definitely opportunities to create more chances than we did so we are optimistic about tomorrow.

Do you have a more significant leadership role after Connor Goldson’s departure?

You could speculate that I suppose. I don’t feel the way I am around the place has changed at all. It is clear how important a person and player Connor was and for me it is a continuation of last year to try and be better than I was last year, to be more of a leader. But it’s not something I have thought consciously about, it’s just natural to me and I am just trying to be positive and lead the boys as well as I can.

Are you confident the club would turn down an approach, like in January?

Yeah, I think we have a good relationship. There is an idea of what we want to achieve and ultimately I want to be successful here. We have had conversations. My conversation with the club has been what are we doing, where are we going, how far are we going and how far are we pushing? Any player at any club, that’s what you want to know - the ambition. For me, no cloudy areas over that I am looking forward to the season and playing as well as I can.

Are those conversations with Philippe or people above?

Everybody, you get the opportunity to speak with directors on planes, pick their brains and speak to people. That is what this club is all about. You’ve got to be together and it is a concern of mine. I am not concerned but it is good to speak with those people and know where the club is at, the direction and optimism, as a player there are things you want to know and be a part of. I hope my opinion is sometimes taken and matters as well and it’s a good relationship. I really enjoy how things are going.

The vibes are good from above?

Yeah, in my opinion.

How much would it mean to play in the Champions League?

Huge. First place was good last year in the Europa League with some great experiences but you know, we want to keep going and pushing further. The Champions League was the target last year, it’s the focus this year and for any of the boys, personally, I would love to experience that.

What has Liam Kelly changed?

If you know Robby McCrorie you know what an intense guy he was. I loved training with Robbie, he was brilliant and I am glad he’s got his opportunity to go and play. Liam is a man of great experience and knows the club inside out and is a great character to have around. He offers something different and he will be valuable to us as well.

Do you have to strive to get out of Europa League comfort zone?

Exactly - that is why tomorrow is so important. We are not comfortable with the Europa League. It’s a great competition if you are in it and a great opportunity to progress but we want to test ourselves. What it does for the club and players who have experienced that, it’s an important thing. There is so many pros to qualify for that and it’s certainly our target.