Kerimoglu Tugay has become the first Rangers player to clinch his place at Euro 2000.

The 29-year-old midfielder was named in Turkey's squad for the Finals in Holland and Belgium to cap a dream season after winning a move to Scotland.

Tugay feared he might be axed after coach Mustapha Denizli last month warned his lack of first-team action at Ibrox could cost him. However, Rangers boss Dick Advocaat drafted the Turk in for several games towards the end of the campaign and that secured his spot.

Denizli said: 'Tugay is a very important player for Turkey and, although we are surprised he has not started more games for Rangers, that is not crucial. I believe what is more important is that a player's style fits the team and he is a key man in our midfield.'

Tugay, who signed for Rangers in January in a bargain £1million deal from Galatasaray, is joined in the Turkish squad by Leicester City's Muzzy Izzet.

Meanwhile, Rangers' Dutch stars Arthur Numan and Giovanni van Bronckhorst will learn on Thursday if they have made Frank Rijkaard's final squad.

Holland have a 25-man squad training and three players will be left out of the Finals pool - with the Ibrox pair both expected to survive the cut.