Hibernian v Rangers

May 4 2008 By Mark Guidi

Carlos Not Interested In England Hibernian V Rangers Today, Kick-Off 2pm Live Setanta Sports

CARLOS CUELLAR last night promised he won't quit Rangers in the summer for a big-money move to the Premiership.

The Spaniard has been outstanding at the heart of the Ibrox defence since arriving from Osasuna in a s2.2million deal last year.

And his stunning displays in Rangers' run to the UEFA Cup Final have attracted the attention of clubs down south.

Kevin Keegan is keen to take Cuellar to Newcastle and plans to make a bid of around s9million.

Sunderland boss Roy Keane is also well aware of the stopper's ability but Cuellar wants to stay and help Rangers build on the solid foundations put down this season.

As he prepared for this afternoon's vital SPL game at Hibs, Cuellar said: "I have settled quickly and that's because I came to Scotland with a desire to do well.

"I am happy at Rangers and have a contract until summer 2011.

"I know there has been talk about clubs being interested inme and a lot ofmoney has been mentioned but that is out of my control.

"My only thought is about trying to win our next game.We have a busy period coming up and need to focus to win the SPL."

Cuellar has built a strong partnership with DavieWeir (below) and hopes the veteran defender stays at Ibrox for another season.

The 37-year-old might move back to an English club for the new season and Carlos said: "Davie is my friend and that's why we have such a good partnership.

"I'd like to see him play for at least one more year with Rangers. It is possible because he is in great physical condition."

Gers assistant manager Ally McCoist has been impressed with the way Cuellar has performed in his maiden SPL campaign.

And he reckons the stopper has been every bit as inspirational as Brian Laudrup was during the nine-in-a-row era.

McCoist said: "We used to attract big-name foreigners but that is not the case now. The best all play for teams like Milan, Liverpool and Chelsea. Finances dictate.

"We now have to get a different type of foreigner. We have found Carlos and he is without doubt as valuable to this team as Laudrup was to the side I played in.

"They are completely different types of players but in terms of their value to the team Carlos is as important as anything we have.

"That is the type of playerwe are looking for - someone whowill give us something else.

"John Brown fancied him as much as anyone and he knows a defender when he sees one.

"Carlos is receiving attention and it comes with the territory that clubs are sniffing around him.

"We can't stop that and have to take it as a compliment.

"But if we tried to sell Carlos now I think the fans would be there to burn the place down - and I would be one of them."

Cuellar's performances haven't gone unnoticed by Spain boss Luis Aragones and a call-up to the full squad might not be far off.

He's running out of time to reach Euro 2008 but helping Gers lift the UEFA Cup would aid his cause.

The defender said: "They are talking about the possibility of me being involved in the squad. I would be thrilled if that happened and winning the UEFA Cup may well increase my chances. It would put me in the spotlight."

Rangers came under fire again for their style of football after seeing off Fiorentina on penalties last week to reach the final.

Werder Bremen and Barcelona also took pot-shots at Gers after facing them in Europe but Cuellar defended his club against the flak.

He said: "Maybe Fiorentina were better than us but the best team doesn't always win. That's life.

"It doesn't matter to me what Fiorentina or any other side say.

"The losing team always seems to make negative comments. All I care about is being ready for Sunday's match at Hibs and the seven games we have after that. That is the most important thing.

"The players have been through many matches this season but that is why we are footballers.

"We would rather have that than be out of every competition and able to go on our summer holidays earlier than every other player.

"At the moment things are looking good and we are in line to win four trophies - but there is still a long way to go.

"Whether we can win everything remains to be seen but there will be no lack of effort.

"We have to bring out every last drop."