Zenit fans can noise up Scots

May 11 2008 By Gavin Berry In St Petersburg

ZENIT skipper Anatoliy Tymoschuk last night dismissed the Rangers fan factor and insisted Russian supporters won't be there to make up the numbers in Manchester.

The St Petersburg faithful have a reputation as the best in Russia and the squad No.12 jersey has been reserved in honour of them.

And Tymoschuk - who has chartered a plane to fly friends and family to England for Wednesday's UEFA Cup Final - isn't worried by the fact they will be outnumbered by the Ibrox legions.

The Ukraine ace has seen Zenit's fans out-sing the Bayern Munich support during their semi-final clash at the Allianz Arena.

And he insists the best team will win regardless of the backing for either side at the City of Manchester Stadium. Tymoschuk said: "I know a lot about Scottish fans as I played for Shakhtar Donetsk at Celtic Park and Ukraine at Hampden.

"But the supporters of our team are the best in the world.

"They believe in us and will help the side in Manchester.

"They have proved their loyalty in every game and a lot of fans are going to the final.

"The road to Manchester is not so long when you consider the trips for some domestic games against the likes of Perm, Tomsk and Vladivostok.

"The fans support us in huge numbers from Belgium to Spain and France to Germany.

"Against Bayern Munich we had 4000 away. But they were even louder than the home supporters. They really are the 12th player in our team.

"Fans will support both teams in the final but the strongest side will win."

Zenit are favourites for the trophy after crushing mighty Bayern 5-1 on aggregate.

But Tymoschuk (below) reckons they deserve that tag for more than just their 4-0 second-leg win.

He said: "We have played quality football in every stage of the UEFA Cup.

"Rangers are a good team too and have taken a hard route to the final.

"They deserve to fight for the trophy and have done their best to be in the final. The game will dictate which team has the right to lift the UEFA Cup.

"In this match anything can happen. Both teams will choose a style of play and will go with what has brought themsuccess.

"Scottish teams are known for fighting from the first minute until the last - they have strong character and fighting spirit.

"They are also disciplined and organised on the pitch.

"I've had two wins and two defeats against Scottish sides for club and country.

"Their strength doesn't lie in individual skill but in working hard as a unit."

The final will be particularly special for Zenit manager Dick Advocaat and defender Fernando Ricksen who both enjoyed success at Rangers.

Tymoschuk said: "Every coach or player would be motivated before such a big match but it is special to play against your former club.

"Dick and Fernando had a good time in Scotland so this is important for them. They can't compare it with the other games in the competition."

Tymoschuk could have been lining up against Gers on a regular basis if he had signed for Celtic in 2006.

He said: "Two years ago I spoke with Celtic and we discussed a transfer but the money demanded by my old club Shakhtarmade it impossible."