Rangers have been drawn into a group with French side Lyon, who finished fourth in Ligue 1 last season, Sparta Prague, who were runners-up in the Czech top flight in the last campaign and Danish champions Brondby.
Steven Gerrard’s side as Scottish champions played in the third qualifying round of the Champions League, but were eliminated by Swedish side Malmo and thus have to play in the Europa League this season too.
Thomson believes that the group handed to Rangers is tough and feels quality-wise like a Champions League one.
The ex-Gers midfielder is of the view that while Rangers would have been disheartened by not qualifying for the Champions League proper, the Europa League should still be seen as an opportunity for the squad to highlight their quality.
“It is a great group, the games could easily be Champions League fixtures”, Thomson was quoted as saying by The Herald.
“The boys, the club and the fans will want to try and progress as far as they possibly can, regardless of who they are drawn against.
“Listen, everybody will be disappointed because everybody wanted to get into the Champions League and to fall at that hurdle was obviously tough to take.
“But they now have an opportunity, on a massive stage, to go and showcase the talent that the squad have got.
“I know what the manager is like, no matter who they play against he will put out a team that will compete and that wants to be successful for the club.”
Rangers topped the group stage last season and they will be hoping to replicate their achievement this time out as well.
