Rangers manager Walter Smith has told his players they face a different type of challenge when they take on Zenit St Petersburg in the Uefa Cup final.

The Glasgow club progressed to Dozens killed in Iraqi fighting ...
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Brothers face Russia spy charges ... the final with some superb defensive displays at Ibrox in previous rounds.

"The final will be a lot different from the games where we've played two legs and been at home first," Smith said.

"It's a nice surprise to be there, and hopefully we can do well enough on Wednesday night to win it."

Rangers have already taken part in 18 European ties this season in both the Champions League and Uefa Cup.

And Smith said: "After a shaky start against Panaithanaikos in the Uefa Cup, we picked up a little and the good results since then have taken us to the final.

"The European competition is obviously not one we thought we would get as far in, so it's a nice surprise.

"But Zenit have also had a terrific season, won their championship and find themselves in the final too. It will be a very difficult game."

Smith, who has won the CIS Cup and is looking to add the SPL title and Scottish Cup to the trophy room, added: "This season has been terrific for us so far and we've got opportunities to make it even better."

Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist says his players are ready to take the Uefa Cup back to Glasgow.

"It's going to be a wonderful, wonderful occasion, and I just really pray we can bring the cup home for them," he told the club website.

"Everyone I've been speaking to is coming down and looking forward to it."

That is despite the club being criticised for the style with which they have made it to the final, at the City of Manchester Stadium.

"I don't let things like that bother me - people saying they don't like our style of play, all that stuff," said McCoist.

"I find it quite amusing. Just to take the cup back would be wonderful.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Neil Alexander has revealed that he has already been preparing for a penalty shoot-out.

The former Cardiff City number one - who has proved an able deputy for the injured Allan McGregor - and striker Nacho Novo were the spot-kick heroes when Rangers dispatched Fiorentina in the semi-final.

"It has already entered my head and obviously saving a penalty to win the cup would be the best thing in my career," he said.

"It would be an unbelievable experience for me - and would make me very popular with the Rangers fans," said Alexander.

"When it comes to penalties, it's a bit of a lottery and it can go either way."

(BBC)

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