We'll go extra smile

May 18 2008 By Mark Guidi

DEVASTATED Jean-Claude Darcheville would love to lift the Scottish Cup - but admits it will feel a poor second after letting Euro silverware slip through his fingers.

The striker is still struggling to get over the numbing disappointment of Rangers' UEFA Cup Final defeat by Zenit St Petersburg.

And yesterday's 1-1 draw with Motherwell heaped on the misery as it put bitter rivals Celtic in the driving seat for the SPL title.

However, he knows he can end the season with a smile if the Ibrox club fight back to clinch the league and dump Queen of the South at Hampden on Saturday to complete the Treble.

French ace Darcheville said: "The priority has always been to win the league but I'm so disappointed not to have lifted the UEFA Cup.

"When we came in at half-time with the score 0-0 I believed we could win.

"It would have been easier to accept defeat if Zenit were the much better team - but they weren't. It was there for us.

"We played the system that got us to the final and I don't think that lost us the game. The first goal really set us back then we had to chase the equaliser.

"We had four strikers on the pitch - that's why they scored their second goal so for me that does not count.

"Now we have to focus and look ahead at the challenges left. We can't switch off or think of defeat.

"Winning the Scottish Cup would be a nice way to end the season but I really wanted the UEFA Cup. No other cup competition can make up for it."

Saturday's showpiece will be the fourth game Gers have played in seven days.

Darcheville thinks the schedule is disgraceful and blasted the SPL for the way they have organised things.

He said: "Dick Advocaat said the schedule is impossible for Rangers and it makes the SPL look like a Mickey Mouse set-up to the rest of Europe.

"To play so many games in such a short space of time is just not acceptable.

"We were a Scottish team in a European final but had to go there with so many matches either side of it. How could we have been expected to win?

"However, we know what we are up against and it has given us extra motivation because the SPL have not helped us."

Darcheville also feels referees have had it in for Rangers this season and that the breaks they got from Mike McCurry in last week's controversial win over Dundee United were the first they've had all year domestically.

He said: "We have not had any help from refs. I think back to the last Old Firm game and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink should have been sent off for kicking Amdy Faye. We're not asking for favours but are looking for balance.

"Yes, people can talk about what happened last week but I have played 40 games for Rangers and that's the first time we've had a break.

"I was warming up beside the linesman and was also convinced the Dundee United player touched the ball into the net when the goal was disallowed.

"However, the replay clearly showed it was Davie Weir.

"But there seems to be a problem in every league with referees this season.

"I watch French football on TV and their officials haven't been consistent.

It's been a big talking point in France and may well be a common problem throughout Europe."

Darcheville will enter the final year of his contract next season.

He has enjoyed his time at Ibrox and would like to extend his stay.

However, if Walter Smith is able to bring in a couple of quality strikers it's unlikely the bustling hitman will land a new deal given his age and injury record.

The 32-year-old said: "We have a good squad andwill be even better next season.

"I want to play more games and avoid injury. I will go away for the summer and get a good rest. I want to stay fit.

"Because of injury I haven't been at my best this term but I can show the real me when I'm fully fit.

"Overall, this has been an excellent season and I have enjoyed it. Until last week we had the chance of winning four trophies and we can still land the domestic treble.

"After this campaign has been settled I'd like to talk about a new contract. I've often said I'd like to extend my stay at Rangers but if the management do not want me I will sign for another team.

"I'm sure Walter Smith will be looking to bring in new strikers but that does not scare me. I am the type of guy who welcomes a new challenge - not one who runs away from it. I will wait and see."