Ex-Celtic defender Yuki Kobayashi helps dump Rangers out of Europa League at Ibrox

Former Celtic defender Yuki Kobayashi enjoyed a memorable return to Glasgow as Jagiellonia Bialystok dumped Rangers out of the Europa League at Ibrox.

The Japanese centre-back helped the Polish side complete a historic European victory after they travelled to Scotland protecting a 2-1 advantage from last week’s first leg.

Rangers pulled one back in the tie when Kobayashi was penalised for handball following Daisuke Yokota’s cross, allowing Lawrence Shankland to convert from the spot for his first goal since moving to Ibrox.

However, Derek McInnes’ side were unable to complete the turnaround.

Nik Prelec’s powerful second-half header stunned Ibrox and secured Jagiellonia’s progression, with boos ringing around the stadium at full-time.

It means Rangers drop into the Conference League play-offs, where they must overcome Czech outfit Jablonec to avoid a season without European football.

For Kobayashi, it represents a notable moment three years after his short-lived spell at Celtic.

The left-footed defender arrived from Vissel Kobe in January 2023 as part of Ange Postecoglou’s recruitment drive in Japan, following the successful additions of Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate.

Kobayashi made his competitive Celtic debut in a 4-0 victory over St Mirren and was part of the squad that completed a domestic Treble that season.

Despite showing his ability on the ball, he made just seven appearances for the Hoops and struggled to establish himself as a regular.

Kobayashi eventually left Celtic for Portimonense in January 2024, where he later played alongside current Hoops striker Camilo Duran.