The Glasgow Rangers Thread.

[Jockstar]

Rangers v St Mirren: Preview

PA

Walter Smith believes Rangers will have to rediscover their fear factor if they are to have any chance of wresting the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title from Celtic's clutches.

Smith admits teams no longer dread the prospect of a visit to Ibrox. In fact, most now seem to relish a duel with the fallen giants.

His point was illustrated by the statistic that more points were surrendered to clubs in the bottom half of the table than those battling for honours as Rangers stuttered to a second place finish last season.

``Whether that was an attitude problem or otherwise, I'm not quite sure,'' Smith said ahead of the clash with St Mirren.

``And I don't just mean in Paul Le Guen's time, I mean in my own time as well.

``We have to show this season that, when we're playing against any of the teams, we can acquit ourselves well. That's what we have to look for tomorrow.

``We have to get to a situation where teams are taking notice of the fact that we are going to show an improvement in form to last season and we have to make sure they show some more trepidation when they come to Ibrox.''

Rangers' 3-0 victory at Inverness in their SPL opener last Saturday was made all the sweeter 24 hours later by Celtic's goalless draw against Kilmarnock.

However, Smith has been in the game far too long to read too much into the Scottish champions' subdued start to the season, insisting he is more interested in ensuring his own house is in order.

He added: ``You only look at your own performances at the start of every season and you always hope to get off to a good start.

``Consistency is the key for us. We got off to a good start last week but that consistency will have to be there throughout the season if we are to mount the challenge that we're hoping to do.''

The Ibrox faithful will be treated to the sight of new signings Steven Whittaker and Daniel Cousin.

Smith has accumulated 10 players at a cost of more than £8million this summer and is hopeful more transfer business will take place before the end of the month, with chairman Sir David Murray recently claiming spending could reach the £10million mark.

``You never know with the transfer window,'' said Smith. ``It may be the case that we could have one or two who would leave and we might have to look at getting someone in before the end just to keep the numbers up.

``But we are happy with the squad that we have at the present moment and there is good competition for places that we didn't have last year.

``Hopefully that will be a benefit to us and motivation for everyone to keep playing.''

Captain Hugh Murray insists St Mirren can be the team to halt Rangers' winning run.

He has challenged his team-mates to cause a shock at Ibrox - but admits he would take a point now.

Walter Smith's new-look Rangers have started their campaign with three wins and three clean sheets, while St Mirren opened up with a home defeat to Motherwell.

Murray realises Gus MacPherson's side are now up against it as they travel to Ibrox with many writing them off before a ball has been kicked.

But he is adamant that with the right application the visitors can return to Paisley with some reward.

Murray said: ``This is another game and everyone is expecting Rangers to win.

``We know it'll be difficult because Rangers have come on a fair bit from last season, they've won three games out of three so we know it is going to be very tough.

``If you ask anyone now, a draw would be a good result. We know it'll be tough as Rangers look good and we know they'll come at us, so as a team we have to be strong and ready to stand up to them.''

Murray was disappointed with St Mirren's display against Motherwell and hopes he gets a reaction from his team-mates.

He said: ``We'll see if there is a reaction on Saturday in what is a huge game - it's important we get one.

``Most times last year when we had a bad result and knew we didn't do ourselves justice we managed to bounce back.

``It's important to start well; whoever scores the first goal has an advantage.

``Motherwell scored first and were content to sit in and for us to break them down, which we failed to do and that was disappointing. We didn't create many chances.''

[Jockstar]

Rangers 2-0 St Mirren

PA

Daniel Cousin enjoyed a dream start to his Rangers career by grabbing a goal on his debut to help secure a 2-0 home victory over St Mirren in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

Skipper Barry Ferguson - who netted twice in Inverness last week - opened the scoring, before the former Lens striker came off the bench to claim a goal of his own.

Boss Walter Smith had spoken this week of his eagerness to see Rangers turn Ibrox into a fortress again and instil a sense of fear in their opponents and he will have been satisfied to see his side take a step in the right direction on Saturday.

Rangers - whose players wore Madeleine McCann T-shirts during the warm-up to reflect 100 days since the infant's disappearance in Portugal - made two changes from the side who defeated FK Zeta in their midweek Champions League qualifier.

Out went Kirk Broadfoot and Brahim Hemdani, and in came Alan Hutton, back from suspension, and Kris Boyd for the visit of the Paisley club.

Cousin was named on the bench, but there was no place in the 18-man squad for fellow new recruit Steven Whittaker, who is still short of match fitness.

Saints made one change from the side who lost to Motherwell last week, with Ryan McCay replacing Billy Mehmet, who was named on the bench.

The first chance of the game fell to Rangers when DaMarcus Beasley raced down the left flank before squeezing a cross into the box. Boyd rose above everyone else in front of goal but connected awkwardly with the header and the chance was lost.

St Mirren then forced their hosts into desperate defending to keep the scoreline level.

A Mark Corcoran free-kick found Will Haining and the former Oldham man was only denied the opener when his header was cleared on the line by Sasa Papac.

At the rebound, McCay went to ground under pressure from Carlos Cuellar, but there appeared to be little in the incident and no penalty was awarded by referee Mike McCurry.

At the other end, Saints soon found themselves under pressure. Beasley collected a Kevin Thomson pass before turning on the edge of the box and unleashing a drive which was only just touched wide by goalkeeper Chris Smith.

Jean-Claude Darcheville then cranked up the pressure further when his snap shot was blocked by David van Zanten for a corner.

Beasley turned provider when he slotted into the path of Boyd. Boyd's first touch was awkward, but he recovered to send a volley over the crossbar.

Rangers started well in the second half, Beasley sending an angled drive inches wide of target shortly after the restart.

Darcheville then connected with a Ferguson free-kick a few yards out, only for his powerful header to flash past the post.

Taking matters into his own hands, it was Ferguson who bagged the opener after 52 minutes.

Hutton punted the ball to Lee McCulloch, who did well to chest into the path of the onrushing Gers skipper and Ferguson placed his shot into the top corner.

Rangers made their first change when Darcheville was withdrawn for Nacho Novo, before Thomson forced a superb one-handed save from Smith and Boyd hooked inches over.

That effort was Boyd's last involvement in the game, as he made way for new signing Cousin to make his Rangers debut.

It proved to be an inspired move when the Gabon international opened his goalscoring account for his new club with 79 minutes gone.

It was Beasley who did all the hard work, collecting a Novo pass and racing towards goal, before releasing to Cousin at the perfect moment to drive home from the corner of the six-yard box.

The win sets Rangers up for Tuesday's crucial Champions League qualifier against Red Star Belgrade at Ibrox.

[Jockstar]

Well 1-0 up in the first leg and no away goal conceded. Its looking good for the next round. But it wont be easy. Report below.

Rangers 1-0 Crvena Zvezda

Substitute Nacho Novo salvaged Rangers' hopes of joining Europe's elite in the lucrative group stages of the Champions League by claiming a dramatic last-minute winner to earn a 1-0 victory over Red Star at Ibrox.

GettyImages

Nacho Novo celebrates his goal

Walter Smith's men will now be hopeful of finishing the job at Belgrade's imposing Marakana stadium in a fortnight's time with those 90 minutes in Serbia all that stands between them and a £10million jackpot.

Red Star provided a far stiffer challenge than the statistics suggested they would.

Apparently in turmoil following the sacking of coach Bosko Djurovski last week - he was promptly replaced by former boss Milorad Kosanovic - they had scraped past Estonians Levadia Tallinn on away goals in the last round.

Tonight's display was more convincing - but any hopes of shifting the tie in their favour at the halfway stage were wrecked by Novo's late winner.

Smith made the most of the vast squad he assembled over the summer by shuffling his pack for the visit of Red Star.

Kris Boyd eventually paid for his profligacy in front of goal with his place in the team. The striker - who has failed to hit the target this season - watched from the bench as the responsibility of sole striker went to Jean-Claude Darcheville.

It was a role the burly striker relished early on and he embarked on a powerful run down the left flank, swatting aside defenders like flies, but was denied the sight of the net bulging when his angled drive cannoned off the body of Dorde Tutoric.

Another battle between the two men would see the Red Star man pick up the first booking of the night minutes later.

The inexperience of Kirk Broadfoot - deputising for the injured Sasa Papac at left-back - gifted Red Star their first attack, Filip Dordevic pouncing on a slack pass from the former St Mirren skipper only for his run to be halted by a well-timed challenge from Carlos Cuellar.

Brahim Hemdani had been restored to the starting line-up, following his omission from Saturday's Clydesdale Bank Premier League victory over St Mirren, his presence in midfield allowing Barry Ferguson to continue in the more attacking role which had yielded three goals from four games.

However, the Rangers skipper had been pinpointed as the key man in the Ibrox ranks by Red Star coach Kosanovic ahead of tonight's match and regularly found himself surrounded by three red and white shirts, effectively nullifying any attempts at creativity.

He took the opportunity to preside over a free-kick a few yards outside the box, one of the few chances in a turgid opening 45 minutes, but was further frustrated when the ball delivered into the packed goalmouth found no takers.

At the other end, Segundo Castillo let rip from 30 yards but the effort was well off target and Allan McGregor remained untroubled in the Rangers goal. Dordevic then held off Cuellar only to see his long-range shot dip over also.

The visiting team picked up another two yellow cards, when Dusan Andelkovic and Ognjen Koroman both had their names taken by the Swedish referee, before a melee involving players from both teams broke out on the stroke of half-time as the tie grew increasingly heated.

There were 55 minutes on the clock before Rangers had their first effort on target. Kevin Thomson's cross picked out Lee McCulloch a few yards from goal but his header lacked purchase and was comfortably held by goalkeeper Ivan Randelovic.

The crowd of 35, 364 were growing increasingly restless but perked up at the sight of Novo and Daniel Cousin limbering up on the sidelines with 25 minutes to go. DaMarcus Beasley and Darcheville were sacrificed for the duo, who had already bagged a goal apiece in the SPL this season.

Cousin, signed from Lens last week, proved to be an instant handful and Gueye Ibrahim was called into action to guide his opportunistic effort from the edge of the box out of play with his head, before the striker rifled inches over moments later.

Instead it was Novo who proved to be Rangers' savour, grabbing the only goal of the game in the final minute.

A long ball from McGregor was knocked into the path of the Spanish hitman by McCulloch and Novo rattled into the net with relish to send Ibrox into raptures.

[Jockstar]

One for you Spit the dog. Predictions from you was 2-0 to Falkirk. I'm going for 3-1 to Rangers.

Rangers v Falkirk: Preview

PA

Rangers manager Walter Smith has promised Nacho Novo a starring role soon as the Spaniard continues to steal the show with his cameo appearances.

The striker admitted recently to being frustrated by his lack of first team action despite his heroics so far this season.

He came off the bench to great effect to bag a memorable goal in a pre-season friendly against Chelsea, before repeating the same trick at Inverness on the opening day of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League season.

Then came his last-minute winner over Red Star Belgrade in the first leg of their final Champions League qualifier on Tuesday night, which could prove to be priceless with a £10million jackpot at stake.

Smith knows Novo is desperate to shed his `supersub' image but urged the player to be patient as he assesses the vast squad he assembled over the summer.

``He has always been in our reckoning,'' he said ahead of the visit of Falkirk. ``He has never been far away from our teams since I came here.

``He is an enthusiastic boy and his enthusiasm rubs off on everybody around him.

``He has played a part for us over the months we have been here and has played exceptionally well coming on as substitute in the last few games.''

One player who has not been utilised at all in competitive action is Alan Gow, who arrived from Falkirk in the summer.

A debut against his former club would be fitting but Smith admitted: ``It's one of those situations where he hasn't really had an opportunity to come in yet.

``One of the reasons why it's awkward, a factor which has been covered this week, is the under-21 rule.

``When you have a big squad, it means quite a number of them have to miss out.

``I'm sure once things settle down, we will see a bit more of him.''

Falkirk defender Kenny Milne has been given the go-ahead to face Rangers after his red card against Celtic last weekend was altered to a booking.

Referee Dougie McDonald admitted his mistake and Milne can take his place in a defence which will again be without Dean Holden (ankle).

Striker Carl Finnigan could return to the matchday squad after missing out against Celtic.

[Spit the Dog]

Come on Falkirk!!

[Jockstar]

Come on Falkirk!!

I was wrong about the score. It wasn't 3-1 but 7-2.

SPL: Rangers on top to hit seven against Falkirk

GLASGOW, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Striker Daniel Cousin scored twice within the hour to inspire Rangers to a 7-2 win over Falkirk in the Scottish Premier League on Saturday. The Gabon-born front man gave his side an early lead when he slotted a six-metre shot into the left side of the net in the second minute. Steven Whittaker then put Rangers 2-0 ahead with a shot from the edge of the box before Falkirk pulled a goal back a minute from the interval when Spaniard Arnau Riera cracked a 30-metre shot into the top right. Cousin grabbed his second to put Rangers 3-1 up in the 54th minute after fastening on to a pass from skipper Barry Ferguson from the right and whipping a low shot into the bottom right. Falkirk hit back again through Graham Barratt. Striker Kris Boyd made it 4-2 in 75 minutes and Frenchman Jean Claude Darcheville hit number five with two minutes left. Rangers turned the screw with further goals from Darcheville and Kirk Broadfoot in the final minute. Elsewhere, newcomers Gretna secured their first ever Premier League point thanks to a late goal from Craig Barr in the 79th minute in a 1-1 draw at Hearts. Dundee United fought out a goalless draw with Hibernian and Motherwell lost 2-1 at home to Kilmarnock when Rhian Dodds scored a late winner. St Mirren beat Inverness Caley Thistle 2-1. Champions Celtic meet Aberdeen on Sunday while Rangers remain top of the standings with nine points from three games.

[Spit the Dog]

Well I did predict that Falkirk would score 2.

Unfortunately we crumbled late in the game for the second week running.

[Thai Bairn]

agree mate. The majority of the fans are fine. Its the minority who ruin it.

A minority of the bigot brothers fans are bigots?

Must be a big minority!

If you knew yours facts. Most decent supporters are trying to stop all this bigotry. At least at the games. Who wants their team kicked out/fined/told to play behind closed doors in Europe? No one. So its about tiime the fans sorted this is out. The clubs are trying to. Its 2007! Some people live in the past. This goes for both sides of the old firm.

I know my facts alright and while it may be a minority at Ibrox it certainly is the majority who Follow Follow to away games that have a problem. Just ask any non-OF fan about the bile they spew when either half of the divide visit their ground!

As one Ranger's fan on the BBC website admits "The only way we will rid ourselves of this is for the club to refuse away tickets".

Pretty much sums it up really.

I was at a Falkirk-Rangers match last season and anyone who really believes it is a minority are kidding themselves - unless you class a minority as the entire away support.

As for Saturdays result................

[Jockstar]

Kilmarnock v Rangers: Preview

PA

Kilmarnock midfielder Gary Locke admits he will be glad to have Steven Naismith on his side rather than in the opposition ranks for tomorrow's clash with Rangers.

Locke is hoping to make his first start of the season in the Rugby Park match, during which the focus will inevitably fall on striker Naismith, the subject of four failed bids from Rangers during the close season.

The 20-year-old withdrew his transfer request on the eve of the season and has vowed not to be distracted by the suggestions Rangers could return with another offer before the end of the month.

Locke, 32, expects Naismith to approach the lunchtime game like any other, and show why Killie rate him so highly.

``I think he will handle it well, he has taken everything in his stride right through the summer,'' said Locke.

``It must have been difficult for him but he has worked hard and his form has been good.

``It's just another game for Stevie and knowing him he will take it in his stride.''

Kilmarnock have valued Naismith at £2million, and have refused to lower their price.

Locke expected Rangers to dig deep to pay for the striker, and thought they would have done so by now.

``It does surprise me,'' he said, ``but from a selfish point of view you want your best players playing in your team and he is definitely one of our best and I'm glad he will be pulling on a Kilmarnock shirt at the weekend.''

Naismith captained Scotland Under-21s to a 1-0 victory over their Czech Republic counterparts on Tuesday, scoring the goal himself early in the game.

Rangers may have a 100% record so far, but Killie have started their campaign with two wins and a draw, which came at Celtic on the opening day.

The Old Firm no longer scare the likes of Kilmarnock, who have claimed back-to-back fifth-placed finishes in the past two seasons, and Locke confirmed they have more confidence against the Glasgow giants.

``I think we do, and the way I look at Old Firm games is that all the pressure is on Rangers and Celtic because they are expected to win,'' he said.

``So we are quietly confident, going into the game on the back of three good results.

``We know it's going to be difficult because they are a quality outfit this year.

``We got a big boost from taking a point at Parkhead.''

Naismith will of course be occupying the thoughts of Rangers manager Walter Smith - but he is focused on neutralising the threat of a player he knows only too well is capable of causing oppositions teams plenty of problems.

Smith said: ``The situation with him is fairly straightforward - the clubs have not agreed a transfer fee.

``It's been that way for the last month and it stays that way for the present moment.

``In tomorrow's game we will have to be aware of his abilities and try to nullify his abilities. That's all we will be concerned with tomorrow.''

Smith has already confirmed his interest in Portsmouth's 32-year-old left-back Dejan Stefanovic but added: ``We are not any further forward with that situation.''

More players are likely to be off-loaded before Smith can further strengthen his squad, with chairman Sir David Murray revealing at this week's AGM that the summer transfer budget has already been exceeded.

Smith said: ``There are one or two positions where we are quite light and, if someone were to come in and take one or two players from us, we would need to react to that if it happens.

``If not, we are happy to go along with the squad we have at the present moment.

``We have lost three players already - Libor Sionko, Filip Sebo and Ian Murray - over the last couple of weeks so we are down to the number we would be happy to operate with.''

Meanwhile, the visit to Kilmarnock could provide Andy Webster with the opportunity to make his competitive debut for Rangers.

The defender suffered a serious knee injury during his first training session after signing on loan from Wigan in January and failed to make a single appearance for his new club in the latter half of the campaign.

His involvement this term was then delayed by a 14-day FIFA-imposed suspension for breaking his contract with Hearts when he joined Wigan.

``We are pleased that he's back,'' said Smith. ``He has had a really frustrating period since January last year when he came to Rangers.

``He had his injury situation and then his suspension and that hasn't made it easy for him.

``But he is a good professional and he's a good lad.''M

[chavy]

I've got to ask you Jockstar: why do Rangers and Celtic now in the year 2007 still use football to preach hatred on something that nobody apart from you and the Irish actually gives a toss about?

Is there really nothing in Jockland other than hanging onto things that happened hundreds of years ago?

What do you think "flower of Scotland" is all about???

I saw on the net about a master plan that David Murray & some kind of business have got together? Does anyone know what the masterplan is?

[Spit the Dog]

What do you think "flower of Scotland" is all about???

I'm sorry Jockstar if I'm going a bit of topic in your Glasgow Ranger's thread but I've never liked the "Flower of Scotland" as our national anthem. It tends to be more associated with the rugby than the football. Give me "Scotland the Brave" anyday.

[Thai Bairn]

What do you think "flower of Scotland" is all about???

I'm sorry Jockstar if I'm going a bit of topic in your Glasgow Ranger's thread but I've never liked the "Flower of Scotland" as our national anthem. It tends to be more associated with the rugby than the football. Give me "Scotland the Brave" anyday.

No one knows the words though!

[BIGTOE3]

What do you think "flower of Scotland" is all about???

I'm sorry Jockstar if I'm going a bit of topic in your Glasgow Ranger's thread but I've never liked the "Flower of Scotland" as our national anthem. It tends to be more associated with the rugby than the football. Give me "Scotland the Brave" anyday.

No one knows the words though!

Sorry Bairn I don't agree I think the words are perfect as we are always the little GUYS

Back on topic - although tomorrows game is definately going to be HARD ( 7 yellows in first game) I hope the Gers pull off a great victory..

Well at least 1 - o to the Gers

Come on Rangers do us proud.

BT

[Jockstar]

0-0(1-0 on aggregate) and we are through. Bring on the Champions League.

Crvena Zvezda 0-0 Rangers

PA

An outstanding defensive display from Rangers in Belgrade carried Walter Smith's side into the group stages of the Champions League.

Nacho Novo's late goal in the first leg at Ibrox two weeks ago proved decisive as Rangers withstood all the pressure Red Star could muster to secure a 1-0 aggregate victory.

Red Star had promised they would intimidate Rangers, but Smith's side kept their cool to secure themselves a place in Thursday's draw.

They could have won it, Jean-Claude Darcheville having the best chance of the second half but missing the target.

However a goalless draw was enough to carry Rangers through, securing the chance to face the best in Europe plus a minimum of £10million to swell the accounts.

Smith brought in Brahim Hemdani, Lee McCulloch and Darcheville as he reverted to his usual European formation of 4-5-1.

All the preparation almost went out the window in the first minute when centre-back Carlos Cuellar missed a long ball but Allan McGregor blocked Igor Burzanovic's low shot.

The Rangers keeper made several more good saves to take his side through, while Darcheville was a persistent pest to the Red Star defence.

The Frenchman claimed a penalty in the fourth minute when his surging run from the right flank was halted by a challenge from Ibrahima Gueye which sent him sprawling.

The former Bordeaux man looked immediately to referee Lucilio Batista but was told Gueye had won the ball cleanly.

The home side continued to look threatening though and the home crowd were making their presence felt in the early stages at the Marakana.

A poorly-executed shot from Darcheville trickled harmlessly towards the corner flag and the Frenchman was looking rather isolated.

McCulloch won Rangers a free-kick in a dangerous position on the left edge of the penalty area and Barry Ferguson's shot was deflected over.

Rangers threatened again when Darcheville's power saw him find space on the right, but Ferguson could only fire wide from his cross to the near post.

McGregor made a decent block just after the half-hour point of the game.

Burzanovic burst into the penalty area and drove a shot towards the far corner but McGregor pushed the ball to safety.

Red Star should have gone ahead when Filip Dordevic's shot was deflected into the path of Dusan Andjelkovic, but the defender sliced his right-footed shot well over the bar from 10 yards.

McGregor kept Rangers ahead in the tie with another save from a goal-bound drive from 15 yards by Andjelkovic.

Gueye was yellow-carded for climbing all over Darcheville on the halfway line as half-time approached.

There was still time for Rangers to attack, but McCulloch flicked a header straight into Ivan Randjelovic's arms from a free-kick delivered from the right by Ferguson.

Red Star winger Ognjen Koroman saw an ambitious strike early in the second half smothered by Sasa Papac's challenge but the tempo of the game soon slowed.

Darcheville, with three goals in his past two games, had his clear opportunity to put Rangers 2-0 ahead on aggregate in the 57th minute.

The former Bordeaux frontman peeled away from his marker to give himself a run towards Randjelovic, but he drilled a left-footed shot across goal and wide of the post.

McCulloch also came close, turning inside after collecting the ball with his back to goal 25 yards out.

He struck a firm shot towards the bottom left corner which almost beat Randjelovic but the goalkeeper's unconvincing save diverted the ball just wide.

Burzanovic was booked for diving over David Weir's leg in a desperate attempt to earn Red Star a penalty.

Red Star threatened the Rangers lead through fair means a minute later when Koroman's blistering 25-yard shot was tipped over the bar by McGregor.

Darcheville made way for Daniel Cousin with 20 minutes remaining, the Gabon striker coming on for the closing stages despite suffering with a slight calf strain.

There was no indication of Red Star giving up, with McGregor having to be at his sharpest to touch one cross away from a waiting pack of hungry forwards.

Andjelkovic lashed a left-footed strike well off target, before Rangers brought on DaMarcus Beasley for Steven Whittaker.

Alan Hutton went into the book for a foul on Koroman, which gave Red Star the first of three set-pieces in quick succession, but on each occasion the delivery was ineffective.

McCulloch was booked for time-wasting before Rangers expertly whiled away much of the four minutes of stoppage-time with some possession football, making sure of their return to the European elite.

[Boksida]

Can you settle an argument between one of my Scottish friends and myself? He claims that the World non-linear (i.e. vehicle not traveling in a straight line) Land Speed Record was set at Ibrox Park. Is this true?

[Jockstar]

Have to say. I would have liked to have avoided all of these. But then again you gotta beat the best to win this cup. I do hope we can push for a top 2 finish. But it will be difficult.

Rangers boss Smith looking forward to tough test

Rangers manager Walter Smith believes Barcelona, Lyon and Stuttgart represent precisely the sort of company the club should be keeping.

The Champions League Group E opposition could not be any tougher for Rangers, with the 2006 winners and the winners of the French and German leagues lying in wait.

But Smith, whose side start against Stuttgart at Ibrox on September 19, insists the six matches Rangers face will be a great learning process.

And if they fail to finish in the top two, the Light Blues boss is confident his players will have seen enough to make them want more.

Smith told Rangers' official website, rangers.co.uk: 'It's an extremely tough draw for us but it is simply part and parcel of qualifying for the group phase and there is a great element of glamour about it.

'Barcelona have fabulous footballers, Lyon have remarkable consistency having won the French title for the past six seasons and Stuttgart won the German title on the final day of last season.

'So there is a great standard of teams and it is clearly going to be very hard for us.

'In saying that, it will be a great experience for everyone because this is the stage that everyone wants to be on.

'We are in the group phase and we have some huge games to look forward to.'

Lyon coach Alain Perrin, who replaced Gerard Houllier this summer, expects Barcelona - the tournament favourites - to be hard to catch.

He suggests Rangers are the team least likely to be pressing for second place.

'Behind Barcelona, it's wide open,' said Perrin.

'I think that we'll be competing with Stuttgart. Of course we are aiming for the first knock-out round, I'm not that worried.'

Rangers beat FK Zeta and Red Star Belgrade in qualifying, and the Ibrox clash with Barcelona on October 23, and the return at the Nou Camp on November 7, will be the two dates all supporters are looking forward to.

Barca will be making a quick return to Scotland after facing Hearts and Dundee United during their memorable week-long visit this summer, when they stayed at St Andrews.

Rangers faced Stuttgart in the 2003/04 Champions League, winning at Ibrox but losing away as Alex McLeish's side finished bottom of their group.

Rangers have never faced Lyon or Barcelona in competitive matches, however their trip to the latter's Nou Camp home for the 1972 European Cup Winners' Cup final was notable.

Rangers beat Dynamo Moscow 3-2 but pitch invasions by Scottish supporters at the end of the game resulted in the club being hit with a two-year ban from Europe, later reduced to one year.

David Edgar, spokesman for the Rangers Supporters Trust, said: 'We will just enjoy Barcelona, that's one you will remember for the rest of your life.

[chavy]

Look on the bright side Jockstar...the poofs from Barcelona & Lyon wont appreciate a rough cold night in Glasgow on a Tuesday....Stuggart...that's another matter

[Jockstar]

the poofs from Barcelona & Lyon wont appreciate a rough cold night in Glasgow on a Tuesday

Gotta agree mate. Bring it on!

[chavy]

Have to admit being a secret "blue nose" ever since as a little lad Davie Cooper showed me around Ibrox..Top bloke !

[Jockstar]

Davie Cooper

RIP. Legend. What a player. Super Cooper they used to call him.

[Jockstar]

Rangers 4-0 Gretna

By Clive Lindsay

Kris Boyd opened the scoring for Rangers

Andy Webster scored on his debut as a lacklustre Rangers overcame a Champions League hangover to sweep aside Gretna.

The SPL newcomers gave the leaders some nervous moments before Kris Boyd's 20-yard free-kick deflected past keeper Greg Fleming after 37 minutes.

Webster, plagued by injury since signing from Wigan last season, headed in off the crossbar after 63 minutes.

Carlos Cuellar headed the third and Gretna's Aurelien Collin deflected in Jean-Claude Darcheville's cross.

Interview: Rangers manager Walter Smith

Interview: Gretna manager Davie Irons

Rangers' deadline-beating signing, Steven Naismith, had started on the bench before making his debut with seven minutes remaining.

Webster, Boyd and Daniel Cousin came in for David Weir, Brahim Hemdani and Darcheville following the Champions League qualifying victory over Red Star Belgrade.

MY SPORT: DEBATE

Give your reaction to the result at Ibrox

Collin, Chris Innes, Paul Murray and Nicky Deverdics were drafted into the Gretna starting line-up.

They took the place of Danny Grainger, Eric Paartalu, David Graham and the suspended Craig Barr.

The visitors were under pressure early on and a Cousin header deflected wide.

But the expected onslaught failed to materialise from the side who will soon face Barcelona, Stuttgart and Lyon in their Champions League group.

Gretna gave Rangers a few nervous moments in defence, with Murray squandering a chance to volley from in front of goal.

Andy Webster headed in Rangers' second goal

But, when Collin hauled down Cousin 22 yards out after 37 minutes, Rangers were presented with the chance to break the deadlock.

Barry Ferguson rolled the free-kick short to Boyd, whose low effort from 22 yards was deflected into the back of the net.

Rangers still failed to increase the tempo after the break, although Ferguson did threaten with a diving header sent wide from 16 yards.

But, just as Gretna threatened to battle back into the game, DaMarcus Beasley's corner found Webster and Fleming could only push the former Hearts defender's header in off the bar.

Cuellar headed home from an identical spot following a Ferguson free-kick.

And Darcheville quickly added the fourth when he got to the by-line and his cross-cum-shot spun over the line off Collin.

Rangers: McGregor, Hutton, Webster, Cuellar, Papac, Whittaker, Ferguson, Thomson, Beasley (Naismith 83), Boyd (Novo 76), Cousin (Darcheville 68).

Subs Not Used: Carroll, McCulloch, Shinnie, Fleck.

Goals: Boyd 38, Webster 63, Cuellar 81, Collin 83 og.

Gretna: Fleming, Cowan, Collin, Innes, Skelton, Jenkins (McLaren 76), Murray, Osman (Paartalu 86), Deverdics (Buscher 68), Yantorno, McMenamin.

Subs Not Used: Mathieson, Grainger, Graham, Hogg.

Booked: Collin, Osman, Yantorno.

Att: 49,689

Ref: M Tumilty

[chavy]

saw the game replayed yesterday...couldn't believe I was watching Darchville playing...when we had him at Forest he couldn't hit a barn door from two yards out, the useless............

[Jockstar]

Well off to a winning start in this group. It wont be easy. But if we can win all our home games we are in with a chance. Report below from soccernet.

Rangers 2-1 Stuttgart: Adam boosts Gers

PA

Charlie Adam helped Rangers claim three vital points from their Champions League opener against Stuttgart, while making a point of his

JeffJMitchell/GettyImages

Jean-Claude Darcheville of Rangers tackles Serdar Tasci and Raphael Schafer of VfB Stuttgart

own to manager Walter Smith in the 2-1 win.

JeffJMitchell/GettyImages

Jean-Claude Darcheville of Rangers tackles Serdar Tasci and Raphael Schafer of VfB Stuttgart

The midfielder paid the price for a poor performance in a qualifier against FK Zeta back in July and his involvement since then had been limited to a cameo role in the return leg in Montenegro.

He was thrown back into the top team at Ibrox in place of the suspended Lee McCulloch and made the most of the opportunity by cancelling out Mario Gomez's opener before Jean-Claude Darcheville secured the win from the penalty spot.

Stuttgart have never won on Scottish soil and that record continued, with Rangers putting crucial points on the board before facing Barcelona and Lyon in their forthcoming Group E matches.

Rangers were handed a boost ahead of kick-off with the news that Barry Ferguson had been passed fit to play. The Gers skipper had been a doubt ahead of the match, after aggravating a knee injury in training, but took his place in the starting line-up much to the relief of the 49,795 fans at Ibrox.

Brahim Hemdani was also given the nod, finding himself in the bizarre situation of having started every European game even though his domestic involvement has not extended beyond the first game of the season at Inverness.

It was Rangers who were under pressure in the opening minutes when Roberto Hilbert tried to pick out Gomez with a dangerous cross from the right. Carlos Cuellar intercepted but his clearance smacked off the post on the way out of play as nerves around the stadium jangled.

Ricardo Osorio then tested Allan McGregor with a weak close-range effort before the Rangers goalkeeper appeared to be beaten by a drive from Gomez which fizzed across goal and wide.

At the other end, Ferguson was the provider for Steven Whittaker but his header dipped just over the crossbar from eight yards, failing to trouble Raphael Schafer in the Stuttgart goal.

Rangers gradually began to grow in confidence and Adam tried his luck with an ambitious half-volley from 35 yards, which fell just over the crossbar.

Adam then set up Ferguson for the header in front of goal only for the skipper to glance wide of target as the home side cranked up the pressure on their visitors.

The best chance of the game so far fell to Darcheville, who looked certain to open the scoring. He charged into the box, shrugging off the defenders bearing down on him from either side, only for Schafer to somehow keep his point-blank shot out of the net.

Rangers attempted to grab the game by the scruff of the neck after the break and Ferguson released Whittaker down the right flank with a well-placed pass.

However, Darcheville failed to read the move and make the necessary run into the box, forcing Whittaker to go it alone, his angled drive easily smothered.

There was concern for Rangers when Ferguson suffered a head knock and was forced out of the action for almost five minutes to receive treatment, during which time Stuttgart took advantage of their extra man and surged into the lead.

Gomez demonstrated exactly why he was named Germany's player of the year last season by helping himself to the opener after 55 minutes.

Sami Khedira's pass may have initially been intended for Cacau but he remained static, while Gomez made the run before flicking past McGregor into the back of the net.

Undeterred, Rangers were back on level terms seven minutes later. Alan Hutton's superb run took him past four red shirts before setting up Adam, who gleefully lashed past the helpless Schafer.

Stuttgart tried to hit back through Cacau but the Brazilian hitman was denied by the foot of McGregor, before Whittaker rifled wide at the other end.

Rangers were then gifted the lead when Italian referee Stefano Farina pointed to the spot after a clumsy challenge from Stuttgart skipper Fernando Meira on Hutton.

Darcheville stepped up to blast past Schafer from 12 yards with 74 minutes gone and Ibrox erupted as Rangers secured a crucial victory on match day one.

[Jockstar]

Just had to post this after the great result last night. To win at Lyon is difficult but to win 3-0. Git in there!!!!

Lyon 0-3 Rangers: Hosts capitulate to Gers

Reuters

LYON, October 2 (Champions League) - Magnificent Rangers recorded arguably the best European result in their history by thrashing French giants Lyon in their own back yard in Champions League Group E.

GettyImages

Lee McCulloch celebrates putting Rangers ahead in Lyon.

Walter Smith's side took a giant step towards qualifying for the tournament's knockout stages with Tuesday's stunning win, and now have two wins out of two following their opening-day success against Stuttgart.

Lee McCulloch opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a powerful header from DaMarcus Beasley's corner, and there was better to come in the second half.

Daniel Cousin made it 2-0 with a drilled finish just after the break - and the striker set up Beasley for the third goal with a superb crossfield ball.

The French side, who lost their opener against Barcelona 3-0, are already close to elimination after just two games.

They hit the woodwork three times - twice through Juninho - but it was not their night, and they lacked the creativity to seriously threaten a Rangers rearguard superbly marshalled by Carlos Cuellar and David Weir.

It was backs-to-the-wall stuff for the Light Blues for most of the game but they coped very comfortably, with Lyon dominating possession but lacking creativity.

Juninho led a one-man crusade on the Rangers goal, especially in the opening 45 minutes when his free-kicks inched closer and closer to the target, but goalkeeper Allan McGregor was rarely worried.

The Brazilian was ubiquitous early on, and his third-minute piledriver was blocked by Rangers anchorman Brahim Hemdani.

Former Liverpool and Aston Villa striker Milan Baros had a shot blocked before Cousin - isolated in his lone striker's role - had a left-foot effort in the 13th minute repelled.

It was against the run of play that Rangers notched their first goal.

Right-back Alan Hutton forced a corner out of Kim Kallstrom and from the resulting set-piece taken by Beasley, McCulloch found space to powerfully head home from near the penalty spot.

The goal stunned the majority of the Stade Gerland crowd and Juninho took it upon himself to find the equaliser.

His first free-kick of the night went narrowly over, and his next moments later was palmed out by McGregor - with Sebastien Squillaci prodding the rebound weakly wide.

The dead-ball doyen came closer on the stroke of half-time, his curling free-kick from 20 yards hitting the bar and rebounding out.

Rangers breathed again, but were celebrating going 2-0 ahead three minutes after the restart.

Cousin, signed from Lyon's Ligue 1 rivals Lens in the summer, received the ball just inside the area to the right of goal, turned his marker and crashed a powerful effort in at Remy Vercoutre's near post from 10 yards.

The army of Rangers fans, who made up a significant portion of the 38,076 crowd, were jubilant - and they had further reason to cheer two minutes later.

Cousin, with a superb 40-yard ball, found Beasley charging through the middle in space - and the American controlled before calmly finishing to the left of Vercoutre.

The goalkeeper's decision not to come out and meet the winger looked erroneous - but Rangers did not care one jot.

Whistles from the home fans greeted the concession of the third goal, and Lyon's Alain Perrin - once Portsmouth's boss - chose to bring Hatem Ben Arfa and Kader Keita on for Bodmer and Baros.

But it mattered little, their Champions League hopes for another year had basically disappeared.

Rangers were non-existent as an attacking force after their third goal, Cousin coming off just after the hour mark to be replaced by Steven Whittaker.

On the 70-minute mark, Juninho hit the woodwork for a second time - crashing a low, left-foot effort against McGregor's post, while Kallstrom and Sidney Govou flashed shots wide.

A miserable night for the hosts was completed in the 84th minute when Anderson headed against the woodwork - the third time Lyon had done so in the game - signifying it was definitely not their night.

Rangers held on for their clean sheet, and are now way clear at the top of the group table with Spanish giants Barcelona.

[chavy]

Just had to post this after the great result last night. To win at Lyon is difficult but to win 3-0. Git in there!!!!

Lyon 0-3 Rangers: Hosts capitulate to Gers

Reuters

LYON, October 2 (Champions League) - Magnificent Rangers recorded arguably the best European result in their history by thrashing French giants Lyon in their own back yard in Champions League Group E.

GettyImages

Lee McCulloch celebrates putting Rangers ahead in Lyon.

Walter Smith's side took a giant step towards qualifying for the tournament's knockout stages with Tuesday's stunning win, and now have two wins out of two following their opening-day success against Stuttgart.

Lee McCulloch opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a powerful header from DaMarcus Beasley's corner, and there was better to come in the second half.

Daniel Cousin made it 2-0 with a drilled finish just after the break - and the striker set up Beasley for the third goal with a superb crossfield ball.

The French side, who lost their opener against Barcelona 3-0, are already close to elimination after just two games.

They hit the woodwork three times - twice through Juninho - but it was not their night, and they lacked the creativity to seriously threaten a Rangers rearguard superbly marshalled by Carlos Cuellar and David Weir.

It was backs-to-the-wall stuff for the Light Blues for most of the game but they coped very comfortably, with Lyon dominating possession but lacking creativity.

Juninho led a one-man crusade on the Rangers goal, especially in the opening 45 minutes when his free-kicks inched closer and closer to the target, but goalkeeper Allan McGregor was rarely worried.

The Brazilian was ubiquitous early on, and his third-minute piledriver was blocked by Rangers anchorman Brahim Hemdani.

Former Liverpool and Aston Villa striker Milan Baros had a shot blocked before Cousin - isolated in his lone striker's role - had a left-foot effort in the 13th minute repelled.

It was against the run of play that Rangers notched their first goal.

Right-back Alan Hutton forced a corner out of Kim Kallstrom and from the resulting set-piece taken by Beasley, McCulloch found space to powerfully head home from near the penalty spot.

The goal stunned the majority of the Stade Gerland crowd and Juninho took it upon himself to find the equaliser.

His first free-kick of the night went narrowly over, and his next moments later was palmed out by McGregor - with Sebastien Squillaci prodding the rebound weakly wide.

The dead-ball doyen came closer on the stroke of half-time, his curling free-kick from 20 yards hitting the bar and rebounding out.

Rangers breathed again, but were celebrating going 2-0 ahead three minutes after the restart.

Cousin, signed from Lyon's Ligue 1 rivals Lens in the summer, received the ball just inside the area to the right of goal, turned his marker and crashed a powerful effort in at Remy Vercoutre's near post from 10 yards.

The army of Rangers fans, who made up a significant portion of the 38,076 crowd, were jubilant - and they had further reason to cheer two minutes later.

Cousin, with a superb 40-yard ball, found Beasley charging through the middle in space - and the American controlled before calmly finishing to the left of Vercoutre.

The goalkeeper's decision not to come out and meet the winger looked erroneous - but Rangers did not care one jot.

Whistles from the home fans greeted the concession of the third goal, and Lyon's Alain Perrin - once Portsmouth's boss - chose to bring Hatem Ben Arfa and Kader Keita on for Bodmer and Baros.

But it mattered little, their Champions League hopes for another year had basically disappeared.

Rangers were non-existent as an attacking force after their third goal, Cousin coming off just after the hour mark to be replaced by Steven Whittaker.

On the 70-minute mark, Juninho hit the woodwork for a second time - crashing a low, left-foot effort against McGregor's post, while Kallstrom and Sidney Govou flashed shots wide.

A miserable night for the hosts was completed in the 84th minute when Anderson headed against the woodwork - the third time Lyon had done so in the game - signifying it was definitely not their night.

Rangers held on for their clean sheet, and are now way clear at the top of the group table with Spanish giants Barcelona.

Watched a fair bit of the game this morning switching between channels. The Gers rode their luck at times what with the post ,crossbar & Mcgregor all getting in the way, but took the chances well.

[game4shame]

jammy.

nah, it hurts me to say it but a good result for rangers - watched the whole game and decent finishing for the goals.

lyon - bar juninho - were pretty ordinary.

[BIGTOE3]

jammy.

nah, it hurts me to say it but a good result for rangers - watched the whole game and decent finishing for the goals.

lyon - bar juninho - were pretty ordinary.

Watched the whole game live on the edge of my seat but yes WE WERE BRILLIANT, if a bit lucky at times but all ( NEW) great teams need a bit of luck at times.

Walter has done a great job AGAIN.

Bring on Barca should be great games.

BT

[Jockstar]

jammy.

nah, it hurts me to say it but a good result for rangers - watched the whole game and decent finishing for the goals.

lyon - bar juninho - were pretty ordinary.

Watched the whole game live on the edge of my seat but yes WE WERE BRILLIANT, if a bit lucky at times but all ( NEW) great teams need a bit of luck at times.

Walter has done a great job AGAIN.

Bring on Barca should be great games.

BT

Glad theres another Rangers fan on here. A great result. Unfortunately i didnt manage to get to see the game as i live in the land of kangaroo and we are 9 hours ahead. Though i will be trying to see the next games.

[Jockstar]

What a great result by the Gers yesterday. Unfortunately i was unable to watch it. due to the fact that Setanta weren't broadcasting via broadband.  And Foxtel cable doesnt have Setanta yet!!!

[Jockstar]

Rangers 0-0 Barcelona

By Liam McLeod

Nacho Novo battles for the ball with Eric Abidal as Rangers hung on

Rangers produced a terrific, disciplined performance to earn a valuable Champions League point against a wasteful Barcelona at Ibrox.

Ronaldinho hit the crossbar, Lionel Messi had a shot cleared off the line and Thierry Henry headed over as the visitors threatened throughout.

But the longer the game went on, the more belief Rangers seemed to garner.

Daniel Cousin missed their best chance with ten minutes left as he sliced his first time shot wide inside the box.

News conference: Rangers boss Walter Smith

News conference: Barcelona striker Thierry Henry

Rangers kept faith with the same starting 11 that defeated Celtic 3-0 at the weekend with Cousin ploughing a lone furrow up-front.

Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard made three changes to the side beaten 3-1 by Villareal.

Ronaldinho, Eidur Gudjohnsen and Lilian Thuram came in for Deco, Oleguer and Bojan Krkic.

Rangers began the match in spritely fashion but it was the Catalan giants who had the first direct effort on goal.

Carlos Cuellar was forced to hook a Lionel Messi cross-cum-shot from the line as the Argentine marauded into the box.

Alan Hutton then fouled Ronaldinho on the edge of the box with a late challenge.

The Brazilian dusted himself down before whipping the resultant free-kick over the wall before watching it tipped onto the crossbar by Allan McGregor.

It looked like a goal-saving intervention by the Rangers goalkeeper but the Austrian referee Konrad Plautz, awarded a goal-kick.

The hosts refused to lie down to their La Liga visitors though and in a rare foray forward, Nacho Novo saw a 20-yard effort blocked by Andres Iniesta.

But possession was being dominated by Rijkaard's men as the first-half wore on and skipper Puyol saw a header turned past by McGregor as the Spaniards cranked up the pressure.

Barry Ferguson just fails to connect with a Cousin cross

Ronaldinho then collected a Xavi corner inside the box and went for goal only for Hutton to block as the ball headed for goal with faint appeals for a penalty for handball brushed aside.

Despite watching some delightful football from their opponents, Rangers survived the onslaught and got to half-time unscathed.

However, Kevin Thomson picked up a booking that sees him miss the Nou Camp return in a fortnight.

The second period began similarly with Barcelona coming forward in waves but for all their possession, clear-cut chances were kept to a premium.

Thierry Henry - quiet to this point - somehow contrived to head a Xavi cross over the bar from just six yards out with 23 minutes to go.

Although the Spaniards passing was crisp and the touches at times, delightful, the cutting edge was not there and Rangers sensed it.

Cousin sent a tantalising ball across the face of the goal but the sprawling Barry Ferguson could not connect.

Then Cousin himself spurned Rangers best chance as he scooped a first-time effort wide from a Ferguson cross as the clock ticked down.

The Ibrox supporters watched in delight as Barca happily ran the clock down in the closing stages as full-time approached with the stadium erupting on the final whistle.

The stalemate looks all the more important given Lyon's victory in Stuttgart and Rangers can now head to the Nou Camp in two weeks in good heart and undefeated.

Rangers: McGregor, Hutton, Weir, Papac, Adam, McCulloch, Ferguson, Thomson, Cuellar, Novo (Beasley 72), Cousin. Subs Not Used: Carroll, Boyd, Broadfoot, Whittaker, Naismith, Faye.

Booked: Thomson, Papac, Weir.

Barcelona: Valdes, Thuram, Puyol, Milito, Abidal, Xavi, Gudjohnsen, Iniesta, Ronaldinho, Henry (Giovanni 82), Messi. Subs Not Used: Jorquera, Sylvinho, Ezquerro, Oleguer, Crosas, Bojan.