The Ibrox side were scheduled to tour the United States in late July with games in Washington and Dallas before a lucrative and unique clash with their Old Firm rivals Celtic.

But they have now pulled out of the proposed friendly with the trip to Australia the likely alternative.

One Boston newspaper caused some controversy when it criticised the behaviour of Light Blues' fans away from Scotland, but it is believed that was only one factor in the decision.

Rangers chief executive Martin Bain said: "In recent weeks the club has been discussing the possibility of a US tour and a Old Firm game in Boston.

"However, after all the facts have been considered we have decided not to pursue that.

"Instead, there is the possibility of matches in Australia and an announcement on that will be made in the next couple of days."

According to the Scotsman newspaper, the SPL champions will head to Sydney, where they will play three matches, with their opponents looking likely to be Boca Juniors from Argentina, Blackburn Rovers and Sydney FC.

A Rangers visit to Australia's largest city, where all three games are likely to be played, would attract huge interest from Scottish expatriates in the area.

It's also believed that the financially troubled club would also earn more money by heading for New South Wales than they could expect in the USA.

Coming to Australia has the added benefit of allowing Rangers, who go straight into the Champions League at the group stage, to re-start their pre-season work slightly later than if they go to America