Rangers' loan star Steven Davis has no fear over facing Fiorentina

Apr 13 2008 By Gavin Berry

RANGERS star Steven Davis insists he has nothing to fear from Fiorentina after taking on some of Europe's biggest names.

The on-loan Fulham ace has played against the Premiership's best and also battled Spanish stars Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas with Northern Ireland.

So that will ensure the Ulsterman heads into Rangers' UEFA Cup semi-final showdown with Serie A side Fiorentina without the slightest bit of trepidation.

The 23-year-old is becoming a player for the big occasion following man-of-the-match displays against Werder Bremen, Celtic and Sporting Lisbon.

Davis has taken on the best in his club and international career and that's why he insists no challenge is too big - the type of attitude Walter Smith's side will need against the men from Florence.

Asked about taking on the Serie A aces, the midfielder said: "This is my first experience of Europe at club level.

"It has been a great learning curve and I'm gaining terrific experience.

"Hopefully I can take that on by getting through the semi-final and making it to the final. I suppose I've been able to draw on the experience of playing for Northern Ireland and in the Premiership.

"You come up against teams full of quality players and you know it's going to be tough. I remember facing Spain and they had Xavi, Iniesta and Fabregas playing.

"There were quite a few big names so that will stand me in good stead.

"As well as that you have the top four in the Premiership so I've faced some top-quality players in my career.

"In the semi-final of the UEFA Cup you're going to come up against great talent but I'd like to think I can handle it."

Davis also knows Fiorentina star man Adrian Mutu from his days in the Premiership and insists the former Chelsea striker can cause problems.

He said: "I remember playing against Mutu when he was at Chelsea and when he played against Northern Ireland for Romania too.

"He's a fantastic player and the type of guy who can hurt you but hopefully we can stand up to that test.

"I didn't do too well against him before - he was with Chelsea so it was always a big task.

"Mutu is a key player for Fiorentina and scores a lot of goals for them. He's the main figure in their team.

"We certainly expect a tough tie against a team from Serie A."

Davis has already been swamped with ticket requests for the UEFA Cup Final at the City of Manchester Stadium from Rangers-daft mates back home in Ballymena.

But he's not allowing his mind to drift there yet.

He smiled: "A few players and my friends are delighted for me. I'm still in touch with the Northern Ireland lads down at Fulham.

"I've already had a few texts requesting tickets for the semi-final and even the final - so I'm sure there will be plenty looking for them.

"The fans would pack out the City of Manchester Stadium if we could get the tickets.

"But we're not concentrating on the final at the minute because it's a long way off and we have two massive games to come first.

"I didn't imagine we would get so far but there is great confidence within the side now. Hopefully we can take that into the semi-final.

"We're hoping to produce the performances that will get us into the final in Manchester.

"We're just taking each game as it comes - so we're looking to the next match at Ibrox.

"At this stage of the competition they are all tough games."