UEFA Cup final run has cost Rangers element of surprise, warns Walter Smith

Jul 27 2008 By Ewing Grahame

RANGERS boss Walter Smith last night claimed his Euro heroes have become too famous for their own good.

The Ibrox side racked up an astonishing 19 European ties last season. But the publicity generated by their run to the UEFA Cup Final means it will now be impossible to take opponents by surprise.

FBK Kaunas visit Ibrox on Wednesday in the Champions League qualifiers and Smith is aware they will already know everything about his team.

He said: "After all our games in Europe last season we're not going to catch anyone cold. So we must up our performance."

Smith has left nothing to chance in the build-up to this tie but knows a moment of Brazilian brilliance could hurt his side's hopes.

He said: "Kaunas have something different in their midfielder Rafael Ledesma. He fits the Brazilian identikit because he has a good touch and is terrific with free-kicks.

"But we have been on an incredible run in Europe and it could stand us in good stead.

"There's so much pressure to qualify for the group stage but you don't need to shield players. It's the chairmen, directors and coaches who think about the money."