RANGERS HAVE been handed the prospect of a Champions League qualifier against FBK Kaunas - Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov's 'other' team.

Walter Smith's side will take on the Lithuanians later this month if Kaunas, who are sponsored by Romanov's bank Ukio Bankas, overcome Andorran side Santa Coloma in the first qualifying round.

Rangers went straight into the second qualifying-round draw, and barring a major shock it will be Kaunas who await last season's Uefa Cup runners-up.

Rangers, who yesterday allowed Thomas Buffel to join Belgian club Cercle Brugge on a two-year contract, must come through two two-legged qualifying ties to reach the the group stages of the competition.

Manager Walter Smith said: "We've had Lithuanian players in Scotland over the last few years at Hearts and they have all been of a good standard, so Kaunas will be difficult opposition to overcome."

One of those Lithuanian players who moved from Kaunas to Hearts is new Rangers signing Andrius Velicka, who will join the Ibrox club from Norwegian side Viking in the middle of the month.

Northern Irish challengers Linfield have been handed a mouth-watering Champions League first round qualifier with Dinamo Zagreb.

Although they would appear to have little chance of progress, Linfield at least know they have a glamour tie.

Winners of the Croat league for the past three seasons, Dinamo have just sold Luka Modric to Tottenham for €19.9 million and are looking to invest the money wisely.

It should ensure a decent crowd at Windsor Park for the home leg, which will be played first.

The winners face a second-round meeting with Domzale of Slovenia or Dudelange of Luxembourg.

Manchester City face a trip to the Faroe Islands in the first qualifying round of the Uefa Cup.

Six potential British and Irish opponents were bypassed in the draw yesterday afternoon, with City paired against EB/Streymur.

While the tie itself should prove no problem for newly installed City manager Mark Hughes, with the first leg away he has little time to prepare for the trip on July 17th.

"It is a long trek to a place many people probably don't know a lot about," said Hughes. "I actually had the experience of playing there with the Wales team a few years back.

"It was quite interesting with a lot of trips on little boats to cross expanses of water, so logistically it will be a challenge to everybody."

Given the early stage of City's pre-season programme, Hughes could probably have done without the trip itself.

However, having gained entry into the competition through the Fair Play League, Hughes is not complaining, particularly as the prospect of a decent European run can only help talks with Ronaldinho, which are believed to have been reopened.

Also in the Uefa Cup, Irish League side Glentoran face opposition from Latvia, in the form of SK Liepajas Metalurgs. Cliftonville were handed a tough test against FC Copenhagen.

Uefa Cup

FIRST QUALIFYING ROUND (selected):

First leg ties to be played July 17th, second leg ties on July 31st.

Glentoran v Liepajas Metalurgs (Lat);

Streymur (Faroe Isl) v Manchester City; Olimps (Lat) v St Patrick's Athletic; Suduva (Lit) v The New Saints (Wal); Cliftonville v FC Copenhagen (Den); Cork City v Haka (Fin); Midtjylland (Den) v Bangor City (Wal).