Hearts and Rangers face an early test of their preparations this week as both Scottish sides step into Champions League qualifying action on Wednesday, according to the BBC.
The two clubs enter the continental stage at the group qualifying phase, a stage that will offer an immediate gauge of how ready they are for the season ahead. Details on specific opponents and squad news were not outlined in the BBC's report, but the framing makes clear this is being viewed as a stiff early examination for both sides.
For Rangers, European football remains a familiar arena, while Hearts will be looking to make an impression on a stage they don't experience every season. How each side has used pre-season to build towards these opening ties will be scrutinised closely once the fixtures kick off.
The BBC's report stops short of giving further specifics, but the message is clear: Wednesday brings a genuine test of both clubs' summer work, with qualification implications riding on the outcome.