Star man Weir wasn't such a hit with missus

May 4 2008 By Mark Guidi

DAVIE WEIR got pelters from his wife for playing in last week's UEFA Cup semi-final win against Fiorentina.

The veteran Rangers defender looked to have no chance of taking part after hobbling off with a groin injury in last weekend's SPL defeat at Celtic.

But he defied the odds to play in Italy and helped inspire Walter Smith's side to a penalty shoot-out victory to reach the Final. However, Davie's miracle recovery denied his family the chance to spend a few days with him at their home near Manchester.

Weir, who now spends most of his time in Glasgow, said: "To be honest I didn't think I had any chance after the Celtic game.

"With it being so close to the end of the season I feared the worst. But I got scanned quickly and that gave me good news and allowed me to get my head right.

"I don't like coming off in games and I was a wee bit embarrassed being subbed at Parkhead and then being able to play so soon after in Fiorentina.

"Trying to get fit meant I had to spend a few days getting treatment from the medics and rubs but my wife wasn't too happy because it meant I haven't been able to get home for days. It all worked out well in the end though and to reach the Final is great."

Weir knows the quadruple is within reach but realises his side will be stretched to their limit as the season reaches its climax.

The 37-year-old said: "We've needed stamina for the last two months and we've just got to keep going and going.

"Obviously the league season is now extended until May 22 and the other teams might not be too happy about that but it's great for us and we are going to enjoy every minute.

"We've got to be proud of ourselves for what we have achieved so far and hopefully we can get the rewards in the end."

Weir reckons Rangers have defended well all season but has pinpointed the spirit at the club as the real driving force of the campaign. He said: "Team spirit is hard to quantify but there's definitely something there as we've had a few disappointments and responded to them.

"There's still a lot of hard work ahead and we've only won one trophy but we've given ourselves a great chance to win a few.

"When I signed here I never anticipated I'd be playing in a UEFA Cup Final 18 months later. It just shows you never know what is ahead of you in football."