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Jelavic not eligible for Champions League Thursday, 26 August 2010 20:56 Written by therabbitt

Rangers' hopes of having Nikica Jelavic for the Champions League have been dashed tonight as Aston Villa were dumped out of Europe by Jelavic's previous club Rapid. 

The English club lost 3:2 at home tonight as Rapid dumped out the Premiership club for the second year in succession. Villa took an early lead through Gabriel Agbonlahor which was cancelled out on the 52nd minute.

Emile Heskey sent Villa into the lead on the 77th minute but a resilient Rapid fought back and scored two goals before the end to win the game 4:3 on aggregate.

Jelavic had pinned his hopes on his old club losing the match after he was granted a work permit to complete his move to Rangers. The deal will be finalised as soon as Jelavic can sort out some pending documentation in Croatia. Rangers have until 5pm on Friday to secure Jelavic's documentation and have him registered if he is to be eligible for Rangers home match against St Johnstone on Saturday.

Rangers will presumably step up negotiations with Kenny Miller who earlier in the week rejected a new deal from the club on reduced wages. The Scotland striker will surely now be the man to lead the line for Rangers in Europe as Smith will possibly revert to his favoured one man up front in European competition, particularly as the club have been given a tough draw against Manchester United, Valencia and Bursaspor.

The gaffer was realistic this week when he was asked about Jelavic's chances of playing in Europe depending on the result from Villa Park tonight.

"It's just something we have to put up with," said the Rangers boss.It would be a disappointment for him, I don't think there is any doubt about that. There is more involved than just the Champions League, but that's a big part for any player."