Don't medal with us

Aug 3 2008 By Mark Guidi

IBROX midfielder Lee McCulloch takes no pride in the UEFA Cup runners-up medal in his collection.

He hasn't even looked at the consolation prize since Michel Platini presented it to him after Rangers lost to Zenit St Petersburg in May.

The only medal he is interested in is an SPL winner's one which has eluded him so far.

Before that wish can become a reality though McCulloch has a more immediate target in sight - helping Gers dump Kaunas on Tuesday to move a huge step closer to the lucrative Champions League group stages.

The tie is locked at 0-0 from the Ibrox first leg and Lee said: "We're under pressure right from the start, you don't getmuch time to knit together. Kaunas are more than 15 games into their season but we'll better in the second leg because we've had an extra week to sharpen up.

"We also know more about their strengths and weaknesses and will go there with confidence.

"It was only a few months ago we were playing in a European final and now we're back but faced with a different type of pressure.

"Reaching the UEFA Cup Final was good but the disappointment of losing still lingers.

"I haven't looked at my medal since.

I'm not even sure where it is, my mum might have it somewhere in her house.

"Maybe I'll look at it when I've stopped playing. All I know is I want to win the SPL this season. It's one medal I don't have and I want that to have changed by the end of this campaign."

McCulloch was happy enough with his contribution during his first season at Ibrox after a £2million move from Wigan.

But he insists there is better to come and said: "I've got to look to give more now I've had time to bed in.

"The same applies to the likes of Steven Whittaker and Kevin Thomson.

When you come from a smaller club you need time to settle, to adjust, to see what Rangers are all about and the way you need to approach and play games.

"I've had to change my game slightly from what I was used to at Wigan - it's much better here and more positive. But we all need to realise standards are high and we must improve if we are to beat Celtic to the title."

The loss of skipper Barry Ferguson is a real setback yet McCulloch is sick of suggestions Gers are in big trouble without their playmaker.

Lee said: "Barry is a loss - he is our best player. But a lot of people are acting like it's the end of the world.

"It's up to us to win without him and not feel for sorry for ourselves. Hopefully we will have the club in a good position by the time Barry comes back."

With Carlos Cuellar also injured, boss Walter Smith is wary some of his stars might break down this season after the rigours of last year.

McCulloch said: "The sooner Carlos is back the better. The gaffer has experience of guys playing a lot of games and he'll take steps to prevent anymore of us being sidelined.

"But we have a good squad and added to with Kyle Lafferty, Kenny Miller, Andrius Velicka and Madjid Bougherra. All are good players and we'll benefit."