Walter's Praised His Game

Mar 16 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

Archie: Gers' Euro Run Has Got Him The Credit He Deserves

ARCHIE KNOX has vowed to help old pal Walter Smith steer Rangers all the way to the UEFA Cup Final.

Knox was Smith's right-hand man during Gers' legendary nine-in-a-row era and the pair will rekindle their close relationship next week.

Together they will plot the downfall of last-eight opponents Sporting Lisbon who knocked out Bolton in the last round.

Archie is coach at the Reebok Stadium under Gary Megson and watched the Portuguese side at close quarters.

And he'll gladly hand over a Euro dossier on Paulo Bento's side to Smith after Gers' CIS Cup Final this afternoon.

Knox, who was also Smith's No.2 at Everton, vowed: "I'll do all I can to help. Bolton did a lot of scouting and gathered plenty of info about Sporting.

"I'll happily hand on all the reports and DVDs to Walter.

"It's great he is now getting the recognition he deserves in Europe which he maybe didn't get in his first spell at Ibrox.

"When we were restricted by the three-foreigner rule in the 90s it was always difficult.

"But we went close in 1993 to a Champions League Final against AC Milan and I don't see why Rangers can't make the UEFA Cup Final this time."

Knox is adamant Gers' style of play can cause Sporting major problems - particularly in the first leg at Ibrox next month.

Bolton dominated the home game of their tie but Bento's men stole a 1-1 draw.

In Portugal last Thursday night Megson rested a host of first-team stars and his side crashed out 2-1 on aggregate after Pereirinha's late strike.

But Archie can't see Gers slipping up like the Trotters.

Looking at the teams left in the cup he insisted Smith's men could go all the way to the final in Manchester on May 14.

Knox said: "Rangers have a great chance. We could have been winning 3-0 at half-time in the first leg.

"Rangers' style and the way they defend will be a huge advantage to them. If they get past Sporting they could go all the way. There are no spectacular sides left so Rangers have a fantastic chance.

"They are so strong at the back and can always nick a goal.

"The game at Ibrox will be the key. It is vital they get a lead at home without conceding."

Knox revealed the young Portuguese outfit don't like to be harassed on the ball or get involved in aerial challenges.

That's why he feels Smith's powerful frontmen like Daniel Cousin and Lee McCulloch could be crucial.

Archie said: "If Rangers get balls into the box they can upset Lisbon. People like Cousin and big McCulloch could give them a really uncomfortable time.

"They will definitely get chances to score. Sporting like time on the ball and to pass it without being aggravated.

"If Rangers get in about them they won't handle it well."