Naismith: Now We Can Be Pan Handlers

Feb 10 2008 By Euan Mclean

STEVEN NAISMITH admits shattered Rangers players needed breathing space to get over their Champions League heartache before they could even think about the UEFA Cup.

Now he reckons they are up for the fight and warned Panathinaikos the fixture chaos that hasn't given the Ibrox side a spare minute will not dampen their determination to revive their Euro fortunes.

The Gers frontman has been surprised at the flak boss Walter Smith has taken for not signing more players last month amid accusations the squad lacks enough depth to handle their fixture backlog.

But Naismith insists the guys who have been sitting frustrated on the sidelines all season can come in and do a job.

The 21-year-old said: "I'm surprised people are criticising the gaffer for not bringing in more players - we've had some guys kicking their heels for most of the season.

"The boss did a lot of transfer dealing last summer and with just a couple of players out in January he only had to bring in a few.

"We have such a big squad that everybody is fighting for his place and the competition is keeping us all on our toes.

"We're definitely capable of fighting in four competitions.

"The manager has options in every department and if injuries creep in then boys will want to take their chance and show they are worthy of a place.

"A few of us have had to be patient but the more games there are the more guys will get a chance.

"I didn't play much after I first signed, Chris Burke (below) had a wait before coming in and doing well and now Kirk Broadfoot has been given his chance and did well against Hibs last Sunday.

"These things will give the manager a dilemma but it's better than not having the amount of players needed.

"It would be hard to moan about having so many games because we all want to still be in four competitions at this stage.

"We have a chance of winning everything and hopefully that's still the case as the season progresses.

"Our priority is to win some silverware again."

Naismith knows Rangers probably punched above their weight in the Champions League when they amassed seven points from the first three games.

However, that didn't make it easier to take as they then crashed to three consecutive defeats culminating in a 3-0 humbling at home to Lyon that killed their qualification hopes.

Parachuting into the UEFA Cup offered scant consolation but a two-month break has given Gers time to lift themselves again.

Naisy said: "We needed a break to get over coming so close in the Champions League.

"If this game had been straight after it would have been harder for the boys but we have to remember we are still in Europe and want to do as well as we can.

"What happened against Lyon is in the past and it is important we do well in the UEFA Cup.

"We know a bit more than normal about Panathinaikos because they have already played Aberdeen this season.

"I watched Dons' game in Athens and Pana seemed to be a good side.

"It will be an extremely volatile atmosphere for the second leg so it would be good to get a lead under our belt at Ibrox.

"In any European tie your home game is the biggest because you need to get the lead and keep a clean sheet.

"I've never played in Greece where the crowds are known for creating hot atmospheres so it will be a different experience I'm looking forward to."