You Can't Prepare For Facing Europe's Top Dogs

Sep 30 2007 Andy Walker

DEPENDING on who you believe the SPL is either a league on the up or a poor place to prepare for European battle.

Rangers boss Walter Smith is one of the optimists while Celtic coach Tommy Burns is on the other side of the fence.

So who's right? We'll move closer to the answer this week when our teams take on the cream of Europe again.

Matchday Two of the Champions League is looming large with Rangers heading off to play in Lyon before Celtic entertain AC Milan.

On Tuesday, Gers are up against a side that has qualified for the knockout stages for the last four seasons.

They will need to be at their best against Lyon and the preparation for such a crunch clash has been a CIS Cup tie against East Fife and a tough league match with Motherwell.

Gaffer Smith believes Scottish teams are improving and claims his side are pushed hard in their domestic games.

But former Scotland sidekick Burns disagrees and says the SPL can't prepare teams for the higher demands of European football.

For what it's worth I don't see how the clubs just below the Old Firm can get any stronger than they have been in the last few seasons.

Aberdeen finished third last term but have struggled this time round having sold star performer Russell Anderson.

Hearts - the team with the biggest squad and most money to spend - have sold all their stars since the days of George Burley's reign.

They don't have a manager these days and constantly make baffling team selections. They're going nowhere.

Hibs have been plundered by the Old Firm for players but still have to be admired for being so consistent. Few teams could sell as much talent and still be as good to watch.

And what about Gretna? What exactly do they bring to the SPL table?

A club with a ground unsuitable for modest SPL standards, they've stopped investing in their team and are still in an embarrassing stand-off with previous manager Rowan Alexander.

The fans are measured in their hundreds and there's no tradition about them. But Gretna shouldn't be embarrassed at being in the SPL.

By being the best outwith the top flight they earned the right to be there.

The embarrassment lies with clubs like Dundee and Livingston who are now languishing in the First Division after severe financial mismanagement.

On the plus side Dundee United and Motherwell have improved greatly this season. Under Mark McGhee my old club have gone from losing six goals at home to Hibs to taking four off the same team at Easter Road 12 months later. Well are on the up.

But it's in Europe where clubs earn credibility and apart from some memorable Old Firm victories Scottish sides have failed to put us on the map.

Aberdeen, Hearts, Dunfermline, Dundee United, Livingston and Gretna have all been in Euro action and none has chalked up a decent win.

The Dons have a chance to change that against Dnipro on Thursday but they face an uphill battle after the 0-0 draw at Pittodrie.

If they tumble out in Ukraine it will leave the Old Firm flying the flag again.

Rangers head for Lyon confident after their rousing win over Stuttgart.

And with Scotland sitting above Italy and France in the race for Euro 2008 why shouldn't Gers have a chance of further progress?

If you believe the bookies Smith's men are battling it out with Stuttgart for a place in the UEFA Cup.

Before the draw was made no one gave Rangers a chance.

And it would be remarkable if they qualified from such a tough group.

Barcelona, Stuttgart and Lyon were touted as swashbuckling sides and most people thought hard work wouldn't be enough to take Gers through.

But when Alan Hutton went past four men and set up Charlie Adam to net against Stuttgart it showed there's more to Smith's side than grafting.

Lyon are a class above anything Rangers will face domestically and it's the same story for Celtic heading into Wednesday's clash with Milan.

There's nothing you can do in Scotland to prepare for a game against the European champions.

Celtic fans will be hoping fortress Parkhead works its magic again and they will also need keeper Artur Boruc to be at his best.

Despite his horror show at Easter Road last week the Pole has produced on the big occasion. Without him Celtic would be in the UEFA Cup.

Hoops defenders are gifting chances to every side they face just now so Boruc will be tested. But at home Celtic have a chance against anyone - even the Champions League holders.