One more goal to be a legend

May 11 2008 By Euan Mclean

NACHO NOVO has made a habit of scoring massive goals in Rangers' hour of need but reckons his penalty shoot-out clincher against Fiorentina was the biggest of the lot.

Now the Spaniard hopes there is one more memorable strike left in him as he aims to go from cult hero to living legend in Wednesday's UEFA Cup Final against Zenit St Petersburg.

Novo has watched in awe at the way John Greig and his fellow heroes of the 1972 European Cup Winners' Cup-winning side are revered at the club. Just listening to Greig, voted the Greatest Ever Ranger, telling his stories about that unforgettable day in Barcelona has fired up Novo to claim his own place in history.

He has already made himself a hero in the eyes of the Rangers fans thanks to the goal that clinched the title at Easter Road in 2005.

Novo has also bagged some crucial strikes in this season's amazing European run and netted twice in yesterday's crucial SPL win over Dundee United.

But the striker knows only victory in Manchester will see him join the true Ibrox legends.

He said: "I have spoken with John Greig and Derek Johnstone about what it means to be in a Euro final. "They said it is an unbelievable feeling you must relish.

"When you see how much John is loved and respected by this club the motivation couldn't be higher.

"Every player here dreams of being involved in something that will always be remembered - by all of Scottish football.

"I have scored some important goals for Rangers and Europe has been especially lucky for me.

"But the penalty against Fiorentina has to be the biggest because of what it meant.

"This club has waited 36 years to reach a European final again and that is too long.

"Many fans wondered if they would ever see their team in a game like this in their lifetime. So I was so happy to score the goal that confirmed our place in the final."

However, Novo knows Gers face a huge challenge against Zenit who have former Ibrox star Fernando Ricksen in their ranks.

The Russians beat Rangers 4-1 in a pre-season friendly during the disastrous Paul Le Guen reign and Novo hopes to get revenge on old pal Ricksen in Manchester.

He said: "I haven't spoken to Fernando yet - he is a hard man to get on the phone.

"But he was a great friend when I came to the club. He knows all about Rangers' style and Zenit will be well prepared to face us.

"I played against him when Zenit came to Ibrox and beat us - but they will be facing a much different Rangers side this time.

"Great character runs throughout this team now thanks to Walter Smith and Ally McCoist."

Novo's phone has been ringing non-stop with requests for final tickets.

And he said: "I have people from Spain coming over and there are many friends from Scotland.

"I will try to look after them all but I don't know if that's possible."