No shrinking violets

Apr 27 2008 By Mark Guidi

Davis: We've Nothing To Fear About Travelling To Florence For The Right Result

STEVEN DAVIS insists fearless Rangers can enjoy more glory on the road and finish the job against Fiorentina to reach the UEFA Cup Final.

Gers produced their best performance of the tournament when they crushed Sporting Lisbon 2-0 in Portugal to make the semis.

That came after a 0-0 draw at Ibrox and Walter Smith's men need similar heroics following another stalemate at home against the Italians last week.

But midfielder Davis claims Gers are heading for Florence full of confidence after proving their mettle on European away-days with some fantastic results.

Smith's men have conceded just two goals on the road in the UEFA Cup and Panathinaikos were another side who crashed out after thinking they did the hard work with a scoreless draw in Glasgow.

So Davis is sure Rangers can stun Cesare Prandelli's Viola on the counter-attack to reach their first Euro final in 36 years.

The Northern Irishman said: "We've done really well away from home this season. Something like we produced in Lisbon - ifwe could get to that level again - would be great. Hopefully we can continue that in the away leg.

"It possibly suits us to be on our travels. We seem to create better chances because the home team feel they have to come out and that creates more gaps.

"We should feel confident enough after what we've achieved in the first game and hopefully we can see it through.

"I hope Fiorentina feel the hard work is done and that getting a 0-0 at Ibrox makes them clear favourites. Perhaps Sporting felt the same when they left Ibrox.

"The away leg is a massive part of European ties. If we can nick a goal and get ourselves in front that will stand us in good stead for the rest of the game.

"We know we can do better going forward and keep possession of the ball better.

"And I think we can cause Fiorentina problems on the counter-attack.

"You always like towin every game but 0-0 isn't a bad result.

"We worked well defensively and limited them to a few chances.

"They had possession and kept the ball well but didn't work Neil Alexander too often."

Davis is also encouraged by Rangers' commitment and reckons that can play a big part in getting the right result in Florence.

He said: "You could never question the attitude of the team.

We've put some amount of effort into every game.

"We were without important players for the first leg but still got more than a decent result.

"The manager has a big squad and has needed us all. There's a great camaraderie and that can go a long way."

Suspended midfield pair Barry Ferguson and Kevin Thomson will return for the second leg to give Davis a helping hand.

And the on-loan Fulham ace hopes they can make a big impact against the Serie A stars.

Davis said: "They are massive players for us. First and foremost Barry is a good leader on and off the pitch. He makes sure everyone is up for the game.

"He is also a talented footballer and has so much experience of European football. He will be vital during the second leg.

"Barry knows it's a massive game and we will all be excited. It's a semi-final but we're not thinking about the final in Manchester yet.

"However, I want to win this trophy and the SPL as well. We're in a good position and hope to make strides in both competitions."

Davis has made a huge contribution at Ibrox since his loan move in January. Smith would love to sign him in a £3million deal but the player is also attracting interest from Premiership clubs.

And Davis appears to be keen to keep his options open.

He said: "I've said all along I've enjoyed my time here.

"Playing in Europe is a big factor and that made me want to come to the club in the first place.

"However, I haven't really thought too much about the future.

"I have a lot of big matches to concentrate on between now and the end of the season. We will sit down and talk about my situation once the games have been played.

"Europe has been great and the SPL has provided us with a challenge. Every team raises its game against the Old Firm.

"Maybe the difference down south is that more players can hurt you on an individual basis."