Rangers are safely through to the second qualifying round of the Europa League thanks to a goalless draw away to Macedonian minnows Shkupi at the Philip II Arena this evening.

The Gers, boasting a 2-0 lead from last week's first-leg tie in Glasgow, claimed the result they were after to set up a meeting with Petrocub Hincesti or Osijek in the next round.

Following a lively first half in Skopje, neither team particularly looked like scoring in the second 45 as Steven Gerrard's side sailed through.

Jamie Murphy, who along with James Tavernier had put Rangers into a commanding position following last week's result, came close to an early opener.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion ace got on the end of Daniel Candeias's corner but could not find the back of the net, before sending a deflected effort wide of the target.

Rangers were the team on top but that soon changed as Allan McGregor kept out a long-range shot and then quickly got back up to deny Muarem Muarem from the follow-up attempt.

It was then Suat Zendeli's turn to make a save, doing well to thwart Josh Windass from the last of the first-half action.

Gerrard said pre-match that one goal would kill off the tie, leaving the Pigeons in need of four in response, but his side were unable to create much in a quiet second period.

Windass had another powerful drive kept out after cutting in from the wing, and youngster Glenn Middleton - handed his debut in the first leg - then fired into the side-netting when played through.

Shkupi, who finished fourth in the Macedonian top flight last season, also lacked a cutting edge as the match finished all square on the night.

SHKUPI (4-2-3-1): Zendeli; Adem, Tipuric, Bilali, Krivanjeva; Vujcic (Muharem 76'), Broja; Ndong (Shabani 37'), Stojkoski, Muarem (Ismaili 92'); Ilijoski

RANGERS (4-3-3): McGregor; Tavernier, Goldson, Katic, Flanagan; McCrorie, Jack, Candeias (Ejaria 71'); Windass (Middleton 64'), Morelos, Murphy (Halliday 90')