We'll Dump Gers To Save Our Season

Mar 30 2008 By Gavin Berry In Lisbon

SPORTING LISBON boss Paulo Bento is desperate to dump Rangers and win the UEFA Cup - to save his ailing side's season.

The Portuguese club are in domestic turmoil, lying in fifth place 20 points behind league leaders Porto, and lost the League Cup final to Vitoria Setubal last week.

But gaffer Bento reckons he can turn things round by rampaging past Gers in the quarter finals before bringing home the UEFA Cup.

The Lisbonmen face mid-table Naval today before travelling to Glasgow - and the young Portuguese boss stressed how vital the Euro trophy is to him.

He said: "The UEFA Cup is now important for us and we want to reach the semi-finals. Winning would make it a good season for us because we haven't had a good campaign in the league. I've never faced Scottish opponents as a player or manager so am looking forward to meeting Rangers."

Bento has been boosted ahead of the Ibrox trip with news that striker Simon Vukcevic has recovered from a shoulder injury picked up playing for Montenegro in midweek.

The gaffer will analyse reports from his spy at yesterday's Old Firm clash but knows it will be a tough test for his young side.

He said: "Rangers are in a good position in the league and will do everything to beat us. They have some special players but I'd rather keep their names to myself.

"I didn't consider going to Ibrox for the Old Firm game but we had someone at the match. His information is all I will use to prepare for Thursday's game."