I hope Celtic's Euro run will help Rangers win league, says Pedro Mendes

Sep 14 2008 By Mark Guidi

PEDRO MENDES hopes he is wrong - but he fears Celtic's participation in Europe won't give Rangers an advantage in the SPL title race.

The Parkhead men launch their Champions League group campaign on Wednesday and there is always a danger fatigue and injuries could affect their domestic performance.

But Ibrox star Mendes - who looks a bargain buy at s3million - does not see it that way.

The Clydesdale Bank Player of the Month for August will watch on TV as the Hoops face Aalborg in the big kick-off - and wish he was involved with Rangers.

Hesaid: "I'd love to be involved in the Champions League - but unfortunately we are not in it.

"And I'm not sure if there is any advantage in us only having SPL games to concentrate on.

"It is good motivation to go to a big stadium in a big city and play in the Champions League.

"It helps you strive to reach the top of your game. You take the positive things out of being involved at that level.

"I hope that playing six games in Europe between now and Christmas will be a problem for Celtic. I hope they feel tired.

"It might take a toll later in the season but I do not see it being a problem now. Every club has a big squad, maybe 24 or 25 players, and it is up to the management to get the best out of them.

"Rangers must win the SPL so we are involved in the Champions League next season.

"The last league medal I won was in 2004 with Porto so I want another for my collection."

Mendes has had a terrific start at Rangers since his transfer from Portsmouth last month.

He was also boosted by being recalled to the Portugal squad by new gaffer Carlos Queiroz.

Mendes said: "I was out of the international scene for five years and had got used to it that way.

"My hopes of getting back in had gone - so I was delighted to be included by Carlos.

"He knew about me from my time in England and asked how I was enjoying life at Ibrox. Now I hope to stay in the squad."

At club level, Mendes is eager for Barry Ferguson to return from an ankle injury.

The skipper has started light training and boss Walter Smith expects the player to be pushing for a first-team place by the middle of next month.

Mendes said: "Barry is a great player and will make the team better when he returns."

Smith is keen to see Mendes and Ferguson strike up a strong partnership in midfield.

The manager said: "Pedro has made a great impact. He keeps the game simple but can make a difficult pass if necessary.

"We wanted to keep better possession and Pedro does that for us. He is a good pro.

"In the past 18 months there has been too much onus on Barry to be the playmaker.

"So I'm keen to have Pedro and Barry available as the team will improve with both of them in it."