Rangers boss Smith gives team clean bill of health

May 11 2008 By Gordon Waddell

WALTER SMITH last night gave Rangers a clean bill of health ahead of Wednesday night's UEFA Cup Final - despite a crock scare for midfield linchpin Kevin Thomson.

The playmaker hobbled off nursing an ankle knock after 52 minutes of Gers' 3-1 win over Dundee United.

The injury was iced and strapped instantly by physio Pip Yeates as fears grew for the former Hibs man ahead of the showdown with Zenit St Petersburg.

However, Smith insisted he's not too worried by the knock.

There was another fright for Gers when Barry Ferguson's ankle bore the brunt of a crunching Danny Grainger tackle that left the skipper hobbling for the rest of the match.

But he will be fine for Manchester and Smith gave the fans more good news when he revealed Lee McCulloch, Charlie Adam and Steve Davis - who was missing from the 18 yesterday - will all be ready.

The Ibrox boss said: "Kevin took a knock on the ankle in the first half and we were a bit worried at half-time because it was stiffening up.

"That proved the case in the second half but I hope he'll be alright for Wednesday.

"Lee, Steve and Charlie are all okay as well. Itwas a bit awkward picking the subs for this game - maybe I made wee errors with the type I went for."

Smith refused to be drawn into the row sparked by Craig Levein's post-match comments, especially over the penalty denied to United.

He bristled: "We had two penalty claims against Motherwell the other night but no one asked about them after that game.

"I was pleased to see the third goal go in though. United were going for broke in the second half but we had started the game well and Nacho Novo was terrific."

Novo made a massive case for his inclusion on Wednesday night, capping his usual 90 minutes of graft with two quality finishes. But Christian Dailly insisted: "No matter who plays we'll win and lose as a squad.

"Obviously everyone wants a jersey - what a night it will be. And the manager will pick his team as he sees it but we've all contributed.

"Even today when Dean Furman came on he really played a part. I first saw him in my first reserve game here and I've been impressed."

Dailly reckons Rangers' 12th man in the stands will have a huge part to play as well.

He said: "The fans gave us a massive lift, especially after United scored. They got right behind us and it helped.

"Every one of them I've spoken to is going to Manchester, ticket or not, and it will be a great experience."

Dailly refuses to accept a win will grant the players legendary status.

He shrugged: "We're too humble to say that about ourselves. We've done well to get to where we are and take seven points this week when the pressure was on.

"But talk like that can wait to the end of the season when we've achieved what we can." On the subject of Levein's outburst Dailly knows what it's like to come to Ibrox with Dundee United.

But he refused to buy the claim that the home side get all the decisions - and insists Rangers get it worse.

He said: "I didn't think it was a penalty - it would have been harsh.

"Maybe the goal chopped off was a bit lucky for us. But we've had more than our fair share of things given against us already. We've had to fight some really poor decisions."