Gers Must Put Frights Up Lisbon

Mar 30 2008 By Gavin Berry

RANGERS were last night told to BULLY their way into the UEFA Cup semi-finals against a Sporting Lisbon side who shirk from a battle.

Former Motherwell stopper Mitchell Van Der Gaag is now coaching in the Portuguese league and reckons Paulo Bento's men are intimidated by tough tactics.

The Dutchman played against Gers with Maritimo in the UEFA Cup three years ago and is now a reserve coach with the Madeirans.

He gave his expert lowdown on Gers' quarter-final rivals ahead of Thursday's first leg - but warns much will depend on the attitude of Sporting on the night.

They've been Jekyll & Hyde this season, blowing hot and cold, although some of their best results have come in Europe.

Mitchell says that inconsistency is down to having a young team which also leaves them vulnerable when the going gets tough.

He said: "Sporting like to get the ball down and pass but struggle with the physical stuff.

"If Rangers can be tough and play a bit too they'll have a great chance to progress. Their young players don't like a battle and Rangers' big advantage is their experience.

"One minute Sporting look full of confidence. But just when you think they've got it together they show nothing in their next match.

"The lack of consistency is down to their young players. They are up and down so it is difficult to predict how they will perform."

Sporting beat Maritimo twice this season so Van Der Gaag, a former Well team-mate of Lee McCulloch, has also seen them at their best.

The ex Fir Park favourite said: "If they don't beat Naval today they'll have only a 50 per cent win rate this season - which simply isn't good enough by their standards.

"They are fifth in the league and out the League Cup so they will look at the UEFA Cup as a chance to make their season a bit better.

"On their day they are a force. Montenegrin striker Simon Vuckevic has a good left foot and is Rangers' main worry along with midfield powerhouse Joao Moutinho.

"Liedson is their biggest name but he's not the scoring machine he was when he first moved to Sporting."