Gers Kan beat my Russians

May 11 2008

ANDREI KANCHELSKIS will snub his countrymen to roar on old club Rangers in the UEFA Cup Final.

The Russian has fond memories of his time at Ibrox and still keeps an eye on the club where he spent four years.

He says Gers should ignore jibes about their defensive style and insists beating Zenit St Petersburg is the best way to silence the snipers.

Andrei said: "I spent good years at Ibrox. Rangers will always be in my heart so I'll probably want them to win the final."

But the winger had to search his soul before opting for Gers - the former Manchester United star is a patriot who would normally want a Russian success.

He said: "I didn't play for Zenit but it is my country."

The 39 year-old, now sporting director at Nosta Novotroitsk, hailed Rangers' renaissance under gaffer Walter Smith.

And he slammed the fans and pundits who criticise the club for being too defensive.

Kanchelskis said: "There are always experts who think they know everything but have never achieved anything. They talk a lot but know nothing.

"Rangers are in the final - who cares what people say if you achieve that?

"Smith knows how to get the best out of his players. It is the Scottish style of play.

"With the squad they have, going all the way to the final is already a heroic deed."

Andrei singled out captain Barry Ferguson as the man to lead the club to glory. He said: "Ferguson is their leader and can be their inspiration.

"The side is highly organised and coached by Smith. They don't concede many goals.

"Zenit's fitness will be better after missing a few games - but I expect to see a good match with a few goals."