Crazy Spell Will Make Or Break Our Season

Jan 13 2008 By Mark Guidi

Rangers V East Stirling Scottish Cup, R4 Today, Kick-Off 3pm

JEAN-CLAUDE Darcheville reckons Rangers' hectic January fixture list could make or break their season.

Gers kick-off a crazy run of games this afternoon when they take on minnows East Stirling in the Scottish Cup at Ibrox.

They then face league clashes with Gretna, Inverness, Celtic and St Mirren as well as a CIS Cup semi-final against Hearts.

It's one hell of a month for the Ibrox side but striker Darcheville will meet the challenge head on.

And the former Bordeaux ace hopes to avoid injury to play a key role for Walter Smith's men.

He said: "We have many games to play in January so it is an important month.

"How we fare could be decisive. If we don't do well it could have a bearing on the rest of the season.

"I want to play as many of the games as possible. I want to avoid injury to find consistency and my true level of performance in the second half of the season.

"I'd look for a four or five-game run in the team to get going. If that could happen then I'd be fine."

The 32-year-old has recovered from a calf strain and is available this afternoon although Smith may leave the striker out until Wednesday's game at Gretna.

The cup clash should be a formality for Rangers and Darcheville hopes it will start a run to the final at Hampden on May 24.

He said: "I know the cup is important and Rangers have a proud history in the competition.

"When I signed here Martin Bain showed me a document about the achievements of the club in the Scottish tournaments.

"The league is the priority but the cup is also important."

Darcheville tasted cup success in France six years ago and scored the winning goal for L'Orient in the final against Bastia.

It was a special moment in his career and he said: "The French Cup is a huge tournament.

"More than 100 clubs compete and it is taken seriously although the league is the main objective.

"If the draw pairs teams from two divisions or more apart then the smaller club plays at home.

"It is a good rule for the smaller sides but I'm glad we are at home on Sunday and don't need to travel.

"It is more difficult when the game is not at Ibrox.

"I have a nice memory from the French Cup. I scored the winner and it was one of the best moments in my career.

"It was a big achievement for L'Orient as they haven't won too many trophies.

"I hope Rangers can have a good run this year. It is a nice feeling to win cup games - there is always excitement and sometimes shocks.

"Of course we hope there isn't one for us on Sunday. We want to go out, be professional and win through to the next round."

Gaffer Smith hopes to have Darcheville available for the rest of the season after an injury-hit start to the hitman's Ibrox career.

He said: "Jean-Claude has been unfortunate with injuries.

"It's about him getting a run and staying fit. He is an asset and we need him. I'm sure he'll be fine.

"We have important games coming up and we need to have the squad fit."