Dailly: He's Touching 38 But Only Thing To Get Davie Out Team Is A Ban

Apr 6 2008 By Gavin Berry

Sporting Lisbon V Rangers Thursday, Kick-Off 7.45pm, Live On Stv And Itv4

CHRISTIAN DAILLY reckons suspension was the only way Davie Weir could be dislodged from Rangers' first team for the crucial Euro run-in.

The battle-hardened stopper is showing no signs of tiredness in a gruelling campaign despite turning 38 next month.

But after racking up his 47th game in midweek, Weir will be forced to sit out the second leg of Gers' quarter-final with Sporting Lisbon after earning his second UEFA Cup booking.

Dailly is gutted for his Scotland team-mate yet is determined to make sure he's not missed, with gaffer Walter Smith likely to name him as Weir's deputy in the heart of defence for Thursday night's crunch in Portugal.

Christian said: "Davie would have been desperate to play despite the number of games he has had this season - a ban is the only thing that could have kept him out.

"He's just so determined and it's a shame he'll be missing.

"Although he's not thinking it now maybe the rest will do him good!

"Suspensions happen far more often now in Europe. A lot of cards are dished out and it's difficult not to get two bookings during the whole competition.

"I've filled in at central defence already and if the manager wants me to replace Davie then great. I'll play anywhere.

"Walter Smith just uses me wherever he needs to and I'm always ready to play. I've been in every position over the years so I'm comfortable in them all."

Dailly reckons Gers faced a mirror image of themselves in midweek as Sporting showed the same dogged defending his team has been praised for.

So often this season - particularly in Europe - the Ibrox men have put up a formidable defensive barrier to shut out the opposition. Paulo Bento's men showed similar steely qualities at Ibrox and Dailly, who was on the bench but is set to take centre stage in the Jose Alvalade Stadium, was impressed with their rearguard.

He said: "Sporting Lisbon were a good side and at this stage of the tournament everyone seems pretty well matched.

"They defended superbly, their two centre-backs kept it tight and so did the two sitting midfielders.

"I'm not sure if they've been that solid all season but they were impressive on Thursday night.

"We have also defended consistently this campaign. All the teams we've faced in Europe have seemed quite similar but Werder Bremen were one of the best in the whole competition.

"We can still reach the semis. It's the same as our Panathinaikos tie - scoreless from the first leg at home and by not conceding you have a chance.

"We're always capable of nicking a goal and 1-1 puts you through, as was the case in Athens.

"It will be tough but it's manageable. Thursday's game was cagey, there weren't many chances and it could be similar in Lisbon.

"There's no doubt we can score though." Smith's side just couldn't get going against the Portuguese but Dailly doesn't believe they're now suffering the effects of still fighting on four fronts in a marathon season.

He said: "We weren't at our best yet every time that happens now we will get accused of being tired.

"You can play like that even when you're buzzing and just not find top form.

"It was a hard match but I wouldn't read too much into the performance. Everyone felt fine before kick-off although you're never going to steamroller games like that - the same as Sporting didn't batter us.

"We wanted to win just as much as the fans and we understand when they're frustrated."

The UEFA Cup Final will take place at the City Of Manchester Stadium and Dailly would love to get there - especially after suffering defeat on his last visit.

He said: "I lost 2-0 with West Ham against Man City last season so it would be good to return and have a happier memory.

"But we're still a million miles from that. We're only in the quarters and have to go away from home after a 0-0 draw so are not even thinking about the final."