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Essay by 24 • March 5, 2011 • 559 Words (3 Pages) • 1,941 Views
Rangers manager Walter Smith believes his patched-up team has enough quality to overcome Fiorentina in the Uefa Cup semi-final first leg at Ibrox.
Barry Ferguson, Allan McGregor and Lee McCulloch are among the many regulars missing for the Glasgow side.
"The fewer players you have, the easier it is to select a team," said Smith.
"We have changed our formation at different times during the European run and, if we have to do so again, then we are quite capable of handling that."
Like skipper Ferguson, Kevin Thomson is suspended, while Charlie Adam, Steven Naismith, Chris Burke and DaMarcus Beasely are also on the Ibrox injury list.
"We have looked at the opposition and then we will look at our own squad and select from there," added Smith.
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Are Rangers fans in confident mood?
"We have a requisite number available to us so we are quite confident the side we put out will acquit themselves well.
"We haven't played the same system in all the European games we've had this season, we have changed it now and again.
"For instance, the last time, when we were in Lisbon, we changed it around a little bit."
Rangers are just two games away from their first European final in 36 years and Smith wants another big push from a squad still in the hunt for a four-trophy haul.
"We were a little bit surprised to reach this stage and it has been a terrific achievement by all the players," he continued.
"We have worked extremely hard and have enjoyed a little bit of luck along the way.
"But, now that we're here, we can say for the first time that we are looking forward to two very tough games but also the possibility of getting to a European final.
"For a coach or a player, it's a big thing in their career."
Mutu is someone you respect as having an exceptional level of ability
Walter Smith on Adrian Mutu
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