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ANDY Webster has been added to George Burley's Scotland B squad for tomorrow's meeting with Northern Ireland. Andy Webster, ScotlandThe central defender has had a tough season in terms of first team football but has been a stand out for Tommy Wilson's reserve side and has been rewarded with a return to the international scene for the first time under Burley. Webster will join preparations with fellow Ger Stevie Naismith and former team mate Chris Burke as they get ready to welcome Northern Ireland to Broadwood Stadium for a 7.30pm kick off. It will be a welcome return to Scotland duty for a player whose last cap came back in March 2006 against Switzerland when Walter Smith selected him alongside current Rangers stars Davie Weir, Christian Dailly, Kenny Miller and Barry Ferguson for his 22nd appearance in an international shirt. Gers reserve coach Wilson, who will make do without Webster for today's trip to Inverness, believes Webster is due his chance after a season of hard work. He said: "Andy has been improving as the season has gone on, he has played well for us and is looking strong. "This call up is thoroughly deserved and it will be a good preparation for him should he get a recall to the first team before the end of the season."

by Lindsay Herron SASA PAPAC is on course to return to the Rangers line-up for Saturday's Old Firm showdown. The Bosnian defender missed out on yesterday's 2-0 win over Hearts as a result of a knee injury but he should be fit take his place in the left back slot. Madjid Bougherra will also be back after his one-match suspension and Kirk Broadfoot could even be knocking at the door as he returns to top team training this week. With Kenny Miller and Kyle Lafferty already back in the squad, boss Walter Smith has considerably more options than he did a couple of weeks ago. Smith told rangers.co.uk: "Sasa has a chance of being fit. He has a knee injury. We thought he would be fit for the Hearts game but he just failed to make it so I imagine he would be OK for Saturday. "Kirk Broadfoot is also back in training this week but whether he will be ready for the game or not we will have to wait and see how he progresses."

By Andrew Dickson MO EDU reckons today's clash with Hearts was perfect preparation for next week's Old Firm derby with Celtic at Ibrox. Rangers had to dig in for their 2-0 win over a Jambos side which was physical and moved the ball about well. Mo EduIndeed, it took grit rather than guile to see the Gorgie men off - and American midfielder Edu thinks it could be a similar story when Gordon Strachan's team comes calling. As such, he feels Walter Smith's men are ideally set up to handle the white hot atmosphere of a game which will have a big say in who wins the championship. Edu said: "It was a battle against Hearts and there were a lot of times where you never got a lot of opportunities to play football. They made the game hard for us. "I think we did well to cope with that, overcome it and come out with the win. That was really important. "Against Celtic next week, we're going to have to come out and deliver. We know what we're capable of and what kind of game it's going to be. "It might just end up being a battle too and we need to be prepared for anything. We'd obviously like to go and out play the way we can but it might not be like that. "In the end, we've just got to do what we can to win. You never know if it's going to be an attractive match or not but we'll be ready for whatever happens. Rangers players celebrate"We are having to cope with a lot of different styles of play at the moment but we're getting wins and that's the biggest thing for us. "Hopefully we can go into our next game and do whatever it takes again to come out with three points." Edu was quick to praise strikers Andrius Velicka and Kris Boyd, both of whom scored in the crucial victory against Csaba Laszlo's team. While Velicka's incredible run on his return from nowhere continues, Boyd took his tally for the season to an outstanding 30 goals. Edu added: "I'm happy that they're on my side. I'm really pleased for Vela because he has come in and made the most of his opportunity to play. "What else can you say about Kris Boyd? He's a goal scorer and both players have obviously been working very hard. "They're getting goals for us but they're tracking back and defending too so I'm happy overall with how they've been playing. They've added a lot to our side."

RANGERS have been handed a timely boost ahead of today's game against Hearts with Walter Smith being named Clydesdale Bank Manager of the Month for April. Walter Smith wins the Clydesdale Bank Manager of the Month award for April 2009The manager has guided the club to four consecutive league victories against Falkirk, St. Mirren, Motherwell and Hibs and to the Scottish Cup final thanks to a 3-0 win over St. Mirren at Hampden on April 25. The results have kept the Light Blues' double hopes alive and they will be looking to make it six wins on the bounce this afternoon when they face Csaba Laszlo's Jambos at Ibrox. Rangers were three points behind Celtic at the top of the league at the start of April but they managed to close the gap to just a point with Gordon Strachan's men taking ten points from a possible twelve during the same period.

Rangers boss Walter Smith is named Clydesdale Bank Premier League Manager of the Month for April. More...

Rangers manager Walter Smith says both Old Firm clubs would challenge the top four in England if they played in the Premier League. More...

By Andrew Dickson ALLY McCOIST is confident Kyle Lafferty can add weight to Rangers' title challenge in the last five league games of the season. The Northern Ireland striker is fit again after he damaged ankle ligaments and he should be in the squad for Sunday's home clash with Hearts. Kyle Lafferty celebrates scoring against HeartsThat's a massive boost for the Light Blues after it seemed the 21-year-old was facing a race against time to be ready for next week's derby with Celtic. Lafferty was showing his best form for Gers before he got injured and had scored three games in as many games as he finally got his chance up front. He'll be bidding to recapture his ruthless streak on his return and Ibrox assistant manager McCoist has backed him to do it. "It's great news for us that Kyle's able to play again," McCoist said. "He has been moving really well and that has been the case for the last seven or eight days now. "He will come back into the reckoning again at the weekend and going into the post-split games, that's a huge positive for us. "The big man was in great form before he got injured and we've been fortunate that Andrius Velicka and Kris Boyd have been scoring goals while he has been out. "Now Kyle can come back in too and I'm hopeful he'll get a few himself. He's a very important player for us and it's fantastic we have him back." Along with Lafferty, Rangers are confident Sasa Papac and Lee McCulloch will be fit for the Jambos' visit. Kenny MillerThe same applies with Pedro Mendes, who is getting better after he was hurt just above the knee during last Saturday's Scottish Cup semi-final against St Mirren. It is hoped he'll be able to resume training tomorrow after the pain and swelling he was experiencing went down. Another player who might make the starting line-up - possibly even at Lafferty's expense - is his fellow forward Kenny Miller. The ex-Hibs man has been impressive over the last couple of weeks when coming on as a substitute. And having scored his 12th goal of the season against the Buddies five days ago, Miller has certainly given the management food for thought. McCoist added: "Kenny has looked a bit more like his old self again since he came back from his injury. "He has been a lot livelier, quicker and sharper and he came on and scored a good goal at Hampden last week. Stevie Naismith in action against St Mirren"I'd have no qualms about starting him and he's in contention. Andrius has done well but Kenny has given us a nice problem to have." McCoist, meanwhile, has spoken of his happiness for Steven Naismith after he was named in Scotland's B squad for next week's friendly with Northern Ireland at Clyde. The former Kilmarnock striker has struggled to find form but Walter Smith's deputy feels he has been rewarded for the determination he has shown over the last few months. McCoist said: "I'm thrilled for Naisy. He has had a little bit of disappointment lately because he has not been playing every week. "The most important thing from his point of view is that this will give him a boost as it is recognition of all his hard work. "Make no mistake about it, nobody has put in more effort to come back from a serious injury than him and he deserves the call.

KYLE LAFFERTY has handed Walter Smith a boost ahead of the crucial SPL run in by declaring himself fit for this weekend's Ibrox meeting with Hearts. Kyle LaffertyThe Northern Ireland star has been missing for over five weeks after suffering an ankle injury the last time the Tynecastle club made the trip to Govan. But after fearing that his season was over, the news that Lafferty will now be available for Rangers' final five league matches and the Scottish Cup final will come as a timely lift for the 21-year-old. The eight goal striker has returned to training with the rest of the first team squad this week and hopes to make the bench against Hearts on Sunday. He said: "I've trained with the squad for the second time today and I'm available for selection on Sunday which is a big bonus for me. Kyle Lafferty"When I first got the injury I thought that was my season finished. I kept hearing it would be two months but then when I was told 4-6 weeks it gave me something to aim for. "It's about five weeks since I did it now so I'm really happy with that. I had been doing well in the first 35 minutes or so against Hearts before I came off with the injury and now I'm just hoping to get a run out and maybe a goal at the weekend. "But I think it would be harsh on the lads that have come in if I went straight back in to the starting line up because they have done really well and gone on a great run. "So I know it is going to be difficult to get back in the team. I just have to work hard in training and if I get a chance in the game I need to show what I can do again. "Of course everybody wants to be involved in the run in and if we go about things the right way we should be ok. Hopefully I can play a big part in that now."

by Matthew Lindsay RANGERS officials are often asked by dignitaries from visiting clubs and their own supporters why there is no club museum. After all, the Glasgow giants, founded way back in 1873, have a rich and colourful history which would fascinate anybody with a love of football. Yet, the answer to these queries is always the same - Ibrox Stadium itself displays all of the items which are of histor-ical significance to the Gers. The many articles of clothing, caps, photographs, paintings, medals, miscellaneous pieces of memorabilia and trophies inside the world-famous Govan ground tell Rangers' remarkable story eloquently. That is especially true now that the exhibits which will be on show to visitors on tours of the Category B-listed building have been extensively updated and expanded. For instance, mementoes from the club's epic run to the Uefa Cup Final in Manchester last year - including the medal which manager Walter Smith collected after the game with Zenit St Petersburg - can now be seen in the breathtaking trophy room. Sandy Jardine, the legendary former player who now works at Rangers as player recruitment and welfare manager, has been heavily involved in the extensive overhaul. He said: "There are a lot of great stadiums in the world. There are some wonderful brand new stadiums. "But not many of them have a trophy room like we do. As soon as you walk in it has a wow affect. "Over the last four or five months we have taken it and changed it a bit. Because we had new memorabilia we have taken all the pennants and put them up high where everybody can still see them. We have put new memorabilia around the wall. But we also still have extremely old pieces of memorabilia as well. "We have the original of the constitution of the club in 1874. It tells you the rules, tells you what the club will be called, what the strip will be like, and the people who will be involved, Moses McNeil, people like that. Jardine added: "But we have many other things. We have Willie Waddell's handwritten team for the European Cup- Winners' Cup Final in 1972. "It is written on the morning of the match. He still hadn't decided what the team was. One position was between Penman, Conn and Parlane. "We have the handwritten team lines drawn up by manager Scot Symon at the Grand Hotel and handed to the referee before the very first European final we played in 1960. "In those days European competitions weren't as regulated and didn't have the same back-up and admin. "Whenever we win a cham-pionship we put a miniature of the league flag up on the wall in the trophy room. We have a world record of 51. Hopefully, we will get another one to add to our collection at the end of the season." While Rangers fans could spend hours poring over the many exhibits in the well-stocked trophy room, the same is true of other stops on the tour - the old manager's office as well as the impressive Blue Room. Jardine continued: "We have manager memorabilia in the office. We have the typewriter that Mrs Dallas, Bill Struth's secretary, used to type letters. "It has Rangers headed notepaper from 1925 in it. We have the ink stand which used to sit on the table. Any player who signed for the club would have used that ink to put pen to paper. We have Bill Struth's walking stick for his bad leg. "We have the decanter set which was given to Willie Waddell on the occasion of the completion of the redevelopment of Ibrox Stadium. We have the actual phone, complete with its original phone number Ibrox 1858, which Scot Symon used to use." The Blue Room, with its murals of Rangers managers, chairmen and captains on the mosaic walls, is one of the most eye-catching in the stadium and it has also been changed this year to celebrate the club's most memorable matches. Jardine explained: "We have photographs and medals of the most significant games in the club's history through the years. We have the first medal which was ever won by the club in 1879 in the Glasgow Charity Cup and medals from all the European finals we have been involved in. "The club have acquired the medals through auctions. Either that or they were loaned to us or we have just found them in the safe." Former Rangers players have also been happy to donate the Scotland caps they have won for their country so they can take their place alongside the greatest players ever to turn out for the club. Jardine said: "We have the greatest collection of caps in the world. They date from 1892 right to the present day." And if Rangers have their way, there will be many more additions in the years to come. http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/display.var.2504524.0.rangers_trophy_room_is_in_a_different_league.php

The Rangers juggernaut rolled into a sun drenched national stadium today for the semi-final of the Homecoming Scottish Cup. Walter Smith / Ally McCoist (whoever picks our cup teams) remained loyal to the players who have secured four consecutive SPL victories, with the only change being Christian Daily for the suspended Sasa Papac. Daily slotted into the right back position with the impressive SW moving to left back. Once again, Rangers started fantastically and were 1-0 up within the opening 74 seconds. Possession was gained wide left and the play was switched quickly to the opposite flank where Steve Davis played in Kris Boyd. With Boyd on the hunt for his 100th Rangers goal, the big striker turned and sent a shot goal-ward. His shot lacked conviction but was deflected into the path of Velicka who slammed home his third goal in three starts, his forth for the season. The Rangers support sat back and expected Rangers to use this early goal as a launch-pad, bit once again, after gaining an early initiative, we sat back and allowed St Mirren to settle and to dictate the pace of the game. Our midfield was struggling to cope and bar a decent Pedro Mendes shot, we didnââ?¬â?¢t threaten to extend our advantage. However, to be honest, St Mirren rarely threatened and Alexander was a mere spectator. Once again, in the first half, our play was fragmented, we offered little or no service to a static front pairing and our midfield surrendered possession and territory with ease. In truth, only Mo Edu transcended meritocracy in a dull and uninspiring first half which ended with a seemingly bad injury to Pedro Mendes. Rangers left the field knowing that a vast improvement was required to secure a place in the final. The 2nd half started as the first finished with St Mirren having the lions share of possession but with little end product. With Davis moving into the centre of midfield, Rangers and the Ulsterman started to dominate proceedings and Davis look far more accomplished in the centre (for 45 minutes) than he has looked wide right all season. It was a surging Davis run which set up the landmark 100th Rangers goal for Kris Boyd. Boyd becomes the first Rangers striker since Mark Hateley to reach the golden three figure mark. Boyd finished off the move with a clinical, cool and composed strike. Rangers sniffed blood and pressed for the third goal that would kill the game. With Edu and Davis controlling midfield and with Kenny Miller (who replaced Velicka) offering some pace and directness coupled with intelligent runs it wasnââ?¬â?¢t long until Rangers put the game to bed. The ball broke to Miller in the penalty area and he dispatched the ball into the net and secure Rangersââ?¬â?¢ place in the cup final. The remainder of the game was played out in the St Mirren half with Rangers looking for a forth goal to add some gloss to the score-line. Boyd, Miller, Novo and Edu all had chances, but we had to settle for a comfortable 3-0 scoreline. One thing Iââ?¬â?¢d like to highlight is the state of the Hampden pitch. Players sliding all over the place, the ball sticking in the surface (three times I watched Novo then Miller try to run with the ball at their feet, only for the ball to get stuck in the pitch ââ?¬â?? not conducive to fast, free-flowing football). Weââ?¬â?¢ll have to wait to hear the extent of Mendesââ?¬â?¢ injury, but with Davis looking more composed in the centre, we have the Ulsterman to rely on if Mendes is to miss any games. Boogie is suspended for the visit of Hearts, so either Daily, McCulloch or Broadfoot will partner Weir in the centre of defence. All in all, a comfortable victory gained without really hitting top form, but it was fantastic to see three different scorers and the overall man of the match performance from Mo Edu is further evidence that the American can have a huge impact on Rangersââ?¬â?¢ run-in. The destination of both the SPL title and the Homecoming Scottish Cup is firmly in our own hands. Players Ratings Alexander ââ?¬â?? a mere spectator for large periods of the game ââ?¬â?? had one shot to deal with which he touched over the bar ââ?¬â?? 6/10 Daily ââ?¬â?? not the greatest performance from the utility man ââ?¬â?? booked for a rash tackle and didnââ?¬â?¢t offer much going forward ââ?¬â?? 5/10 Weir ââ?¬â?? Solid performance but his distribution is shocking ââ?¬â?? 5/10 Boogie ââ?¬â?? Has taken over the King Carlos (who?) mantle ââ?¬â?? great defensively and composed on the ball ââ?¬â?? 7/10 SW ââ?¬â?? not as effective as when he plays right back but was always willing to surge forward and had a decent game defensively ââ?¬â?? 6/10 Davis ââ?¬â?? struggled for the entire first half wide right ââ?¬â?? looked a completely different player through the middle in the 2nd half ââ?¬â?? had a hand in all three goals ââ?¬â?? 7/10 Mendes ââ?¬â?? was struggling to get a foot in the game before being carted off injured ââ?¬â?? not his best game ââ?¬â?? 5/10 Edu ââ?¬â?? only player to gain pass marks in the first half and hats off to him for raising his game even further in the 2nd half ââ?¬â?? MOTM by a long way ââ?¬â?? 9/10 Smith ââ?¬â?? once again struggled out left and left his wing to easily making us too narrow on occasions ââ?¬â?? tried hard tho ââ?¬â?? 5/10 Velicka ââ?¬â?? another game and another goal ââ?¬â?? do we have another Kris Boyd on our hands here ââ?¬â?? strong and harried all day ââ?¬â?? 6/10 Boyd ââ?¬â?? capped off a decent performance with his 100th goal for Rangers ââ?¬â?? another cool and composed finish from Boyd ââ?¬â?? 7/10 Novo ââ?¬â?? replaced the injured Mendes and struggled with the pitch ââ?¬â?? 5/10 Miller ââ?¬â?? once again, his pace, directness and intelligent runs opened up a few chances for Rangers ââ?¬â?? turning into a great impact player and got on the score-sheet ââ?¬â?? 6/10 Little ââ?¬â?? not really enough time to contribute ââ?¬â?? 4/10

According to the Mail, he's been told they'll listen to any reasonable offers for him, but its the usual story while being a non-story with no direct quotes. I know he's had his critics, but he can't be faulted for his work-rate, enthusiasm, fitness etc and has been one of those who does put in extra work on the training pitch. I also think he has improved a lot since he's been here, but I can't see him becoming a permanent fixture in the first team, so would he want to hang around if he's only going to be used as a backup player? I'm sure its not all about finances and we could work a deal out if we really wanted him to stay. Maybe he'll move elsewhere and find his level while getting a regular game at centre half. Whatever happens, I'd wish him all the best as quite a few of our players could learn a bit form his attitude if nothing else.

Forgotten Rangers man Andrius Velicka sets himself a double target as he strikes out for final glory Andrius Velicka is very keen to make up for lost time. The Lithuanian striker is determined to play his part in an engrossing title run-in and fancies helping Rangers to not just their first league title win in four years, but to the Home-coming Scottish Cup as well. A place in the final will be assured if Rangers can see off the threat of St Mirren at Hampden tomorrow and, if they do so, tongues will start to wag about the possibility of a league and cup double. St Mirren, of course, will feel that their shot at glory is equally near at hand. Gus MacPherson's side have already seen off Celtic in the competition and view tomorrow's game as one of the biggest of their season. Staying in the top flight is their ultimate aim, but a Scottish Cup Final party wouldn't be too bad either. Velicka, though, is determined to use the final weeks of the season to show Rangers just what he is capable of after being placed in cold storage for most of the season to date. The striker returned to Walter Smith's side for the 1-0 win at Falkirk this month, but it was the first sighting of him since he had featured in a 2-0 win over Hearts way back in August. It has been a difficult time for the striker, who has admitted the past eight months have been the most frustrating of his senior career. "It was a natural reaction because I had played so much football without a break," he said ruefully. "It has been very difficult for me because I started in the team and then all of a sudden I was injured. "All the games caught up with me physically, but now I feel that I can be like a fresh player for the manager. I have had a lot of time to recover my fitness and I feel I am hungry now. "It would be nice to get the chance to show the Rangers fans what I can do in these last months of the season because I don't think they have seen the best of me yet. "I believe that I can score goals, but I have to respect that there have been players doing that all season, so I will be patient. I do want to have a say in the title race because I think I can help Rangers to win the SPL and the Scottish Cup. It will be a hard game for us at Hampden tomorrow, but we are looking forward it." He will be hoping to add to the two goals he has scored in recent wins over Motherwell and Hibs and, when the dust settles on tomorrow's contest, Velicka will turn his attention to the pivotal Old Firm game at Ibrox next month. The striker has yet to sample the unique fare offered by a meeting between the Glasgow giants and he couldn't ask for a bigger game in which to make his mark this term. Irrespective of what happens between now and then, the game at Ibrox is titanic in terms of its significance. For all that both sides have squandered advantages and thrown away chances to exert further pressure on their rivals this term, it would be difficult to envisage either side winning the game at Ibrox and then not lifting the title. Velicka had fallen so far out of the picture at Rangers that he was in danger of becoming the forgotten man but, should he make his mark in what is the biggest game of the season, redemption could be at hand. "Of course I want to play in it," grinned the Lithuanian. "I haven't played in an Old Firm game before and I know what a big game it is. "It is huge because of the league situation, but an Old Firm game by itself is known all over the world. I would love to play a part in it, but this is football and things do not always go the way you want them to. "The manager has a big squad here and players like Kenny Miller and Kris Boyd have been doing it all season. "All I can do is show what I can do in training and in games and hope that I am involved when the game takes place. "But before then we have a game against St Mirren in the Scottish Cup and a league match against Hearts, so we have to think about them. "It would be silly to be thinking about Celtic just now when there are other things for us to do." Rangers have avoided a second trip to Tynecastle and will play Hearts at home in the first SPL game after the split. Critics who have pointed to the third home game against the Edinburgh side might want to consider the manner in which Csaba Laszlo's side came back from a two-goal deficit to take a point on their last visit to Ibrox. The games between either half of the Old Firm at Tynecastle are always fraught, although Velicka doesn't believe Rangers have an advantage by avoiding a trip to his former home ground. "Hearts will believe they can win against us," he said. "I enjoy playing against them because they are my old side, but that doesn't mean I don't want to beat them. "They have done very well under Csaba and he has them playing good football but, more importantly, they are a team that seem to have a lot of belief. "I don't think it is easier playing them at Ibrox than at Tynecastle because they are a difficult side to beat. "People look at Scottish football and think that Rangers should beat everybody they play, but it is not like that. You have to work very hard to win every game and every team can make life very hard for you. "Hearts will remember what happened when they played us the last time and they will take a lot of belief from that. We will need to be at our best but all that matters now is getting points." Publication date 24/04/09 http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/display.var.2504069.0.0.php

WALTER SMITH today revealed he will have a healthy choice of fit Rangers stars as they prepare to surge for a domestic double. The Ibrox gaffer has been deprived of several key personnel for weeks - but is about to get most of them back for the run-in. DaMarcus Beasley, Kirk Broadfoot, Kyle Lafferty and Lee McCulloch could all be available for the SPL showdown with Hearts at Ibrox on May 3. And Smith, whose team take on St Mirren in the semi-final of the Homecoming Scottish Cup at Hampden tomorrow, has also revealed he is grateful for some SPL respite. He said: "I think it is good to have a cup game at this time. If anything, the two-week break from league action will help us to get quite a few of our players back. "If we are looking at Kirk, Lee, Kyle and DaMarcus, we could have them all back in a couple of weeks. "It has not been a bad thing at all having a break for the semi-final. It gives us that little bit of respite." But Barry Ferguson is facing a huge battle to be fit to play again this season. The deposed skipper injured his calf in a reserve game during the week after three weeks sidelined due to disciplinary action. He hopes to be back by the middle of May, but Smith revealed: "Unfortunately, with the injury he picked up, he will be out for the majority of the rest of the season." Smith will soon have big selection headaches as the fringe players who have been drafted in as cover in recent weeks have performed well. He said: "Boys like Andrius Velicka, Mo Edu and Steven Smith have come in and have now got some games under their belt. You can see in every game that they are improving and getting there. "Their overall match fitness has improved and that has added to the options." But Smith reckons he needs that competition for places in his team, who currently sit just one point behind Celtic with five games left to play. He added: "There has been a couple of stages this season when it looked as if the title was a little bit beyond us. "We then found ourselves in front and Celtic pegged us back. "Going into the last five games, especially the one against Celtic at home, we consider ourselves to be in a decent position if we can produce the required consistency." Meanwhile, Rangers have insisted talks are ongoing with Kirk Broadfoot over an extension to his contract that ends in 12 months time. Publication date 24/04/09 http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/display.var.2504072.0.0.php

Hampden Park always was Lorenzo’s soil. Big Amoruso never once lost a match with Rangers on the hallowed Mount Florida turf. Anyone who remembers his emotional swansong at the national stadium would have thought otherwise, however, as the Italian stallion wept openly in front of the assembled legions of Rangers fans. That emotional outpouring came after Amoruso’s winning header secured the 2003 Scottish Cup Final against Dundee, bringing down the curtain on an eventful six-year spell at Rangers. The biggest low of that time came when he was deposed as captain by a 22-year-old called Barry Ferguson. Almost a decade on, Ferguson has suffered the same fate. The former Scotland skipper’s ‘Boozegate’ antics alongside goalkeeper Allan McGregor have all but ended his Rangers career, with a torn calf muscle sustained in a reserve match on Tuesday ensuring there will be little opportunity for a spectacular return to favour. Unlike his disgraced successor, however, Amoruso at least had the chance to bid a dignified goodbye to the Ibrox denizens. And the 37-year-old agreed that may be a situation which comes back to haunt Ferguson in later life. ‘You don’t want to finish with Rangers in that situation,’ he said. ‘My last game was special, against Dundee at Hampden in 2003. We secured the Treble — the second of my Rangers career. It was the best way to finish my Rangers career. I went out on a high. ‘There are always consequences to your actions and Barry is old enough to understand that. He is the captain of a big club and the captain of his country. He needed to be an example as a player — and also as a human being. ‘It was a totally different situation when I lost the armband but it will definitely hurt Barry. Just because they take your armband away, it doesn’t mean you stop feeling like a captain. You will still dream, walk, talk and act like a captain, but you are not one any more. ‘You never used to be able to think of Rangers without Barry Ferguson but they have been without him for a few weeks now.’ Amoruso is back in town to promote Sky Sports’ live coverage of his old team’s Scottish Cup semi-final against St Mirren tomorrow and, unsurprisingly, he revealed that he often endured a fraught relationship with the man who inherited his captaincy. The big Italian, however, will seek out Ferguson this weekend to offer him support in his hour of need. ‘I have a lot of good memories of Barry,’ he said. ‘We definitely had a few arguments because he is a strong character and so am I. He has the kind of spirit you need in the dressing room. It’s all part of being a good team and being a winner. ‘On the pitch, he was a great player. I remember he was fantastic against Paris Saint-Germain in France and also against Celtic on several occasions. ‘After the whole (Boozegate) thing broke, I tried to give Barry a phone but he had changed his number. I didn’t want to phone someone else up to ask for his number so I will make sure I see him myself this weekend. Barry has my full support. I know he made a mistake but I’m sure he would love a second chance. It would be terrific if he stayed but he will have to sit down at the end of the season with the chairman and manager and take it from there.’ Amoruso believes that Rangers’ hopes of stopping city rivals Celtic racking up four titles in a row will diminish if St Mirren knock them out of the Scottish Cup tomorrow. And that is a possibility, he believes, if Walter Smith’s men turn up devoid of a professional mindset. Ferguson limps off in possibly his last game for Rangers Sad ending: Ferguson limps off in possibly his last game for Rangers ‘It’s important that Rangers treat St Mirren with the respect they deserve,’ he said. ‘They have to go to this game with a good attitude. ‘I haven’t seen a lot of St Mirren this year but I know they knocked Celtic out in the quarter-finals — so they must be a good side. ‘Their league position is not great but they are clearly capable of fighting for the cause and they shouldn’t be underestimated. ‘And if Rangers lose, it could be a massive problem for them. But hopefully they will win and then also go on to catch Celtic in the SPL. The league is not over yet — there are still five games to go.’ * Amoruso will be a studio guest for live, high definition coverage of Rangers v St Mirren from 12pm this Saturday on Sky Sports HD1/Sky Sports 1. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1173040/Lorenzo-It-pity-Fergusons-time-Rangers-end-like-this.html

RANGERS Chief Executive Martin Bain and Manager Walter Smith joined members of the Rangers Assembly at Murray Park last night for the fans' quarterly Assembly meeting. The Assembly was well represented with members of the Worldwide Alliance - including delegates from Northern Ireland, England and Scotland, the Rangers Supporters Association, Rangers Blind Party, Rangers Disabled Club and Rangers Trust - and they enjoyed a positive and productive get-together with the Chief Executive, Manager and staff. Assembly MeetingA wide range of topics were covered as supporters took the opportunity to put their points across and a worthwhile debate took place. Assembly President Andy Kerr reiterated the supporters desire to get behind the team for the remainder of the season, particularly in the Club's SPL games at Ibrox. In order to boost the atmosphere at Ibrox on matchdays, the Club welcomed a supporters' initiative and is encouraging fans to take up the mechanism already in place allowing them to move seats next to the signing section in the Broomloan Front Stand. Season ticket holders wishing to do so for the forthcoming Hearts and Aberdeen games should call 0871 702 1972 before Saturday 25 April. Walter highlighted the importance of the fans at this crucial stage of the campaign and the key role they can play as the team works towards SPL and Scottish Cup success. Off the pitch, the Assembly enquired about season ticket strategy and overall ticket pricing. Fans at the Scottish Cup Final Martin Bain confirmed the Club is continuing its strategy of affordable pricing and added value benefits for fans. Season Ticket prices are frozen for the third successive season and juveniles are continuing to benefit from the third off discount which was introduced last year. The Season Ticket price - which has always been quoted inclusive of VAT - has been frozen, giving a slight financial benefit to the Club with no increase to the fans. Further discussions took place on the allocation of away tickets for supporters clubs which the Assembly and the Club have been working on through regular working group meetings. A new policy has now been agreed and will be in place for next season which should result in a fairer allocation for all concerned. Other topics covered last night included the Club's new home kit and how Rangers could work with supporters clubs in Northern Ireland next season for midweek games which they cannot attend. The fans concluded by wishing Walter and the team success for the remaining games of the season and agreed it was a productive meeting for all concerned with a number of key issues being debated.

ANDY DORMAN has shot to the top of Walter Smith's summer shopping list. The Rangers manager watched the St Mirren star score a cracker against Hibs last week. Now the Ibrox club will make a �£700,000 bid for Scotland's top-scoring midfielder, who netted his 11th goal of the season against Motherwell yesterday. Dorman has a year left on his Buddies deal and is free to sign a pre-contract in six months' time. Gus MacPherson would love to keep his star player, but it's unlikely he will be able to persuade Dorman to sign a new long-term deal. And Smith wants Rangers to land him as a midfield foil for Pedro Mendes. With Barry Ferguson set to quit Ibrox, the Gers boss believes that Chester-born Dorman's energy and ability could prove invaluable. He watched Dorman in action along with No 2 Ally McCoist and coach Kenny McDowall at St Mirren Park on Monday night. A Rangers insider said: "The coaching staff have all been hugely impressed by Dorman all season. "They had a good look at him on Monday against Hibs and it certainly wasn't just his goal which caught the manager's eye." http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/scottish/scottish_sport/270891/Rangers-eye-up-Dorman-Andy-Dorman.html

DEREK FERGUSON today made an impassioned appeal for his brother Barry to be left alone to rebuild his Rangers career after the Boozegate scandal. Former Gers star Derek revealed the entire Ferguson family - including Barry's three young children and his parents - have suffered as a result of the high-profile controversy. And he is now hoping the midfielder can put the episode firmly behind him and play a part in helping the Ibrox club win the SPL. Ferguson and Allan McGregor were today both back at Murray Park having been fined and suspended for a fortnight by Gers boss Walter Smith for their actions before and after the Scotland v Iceland earlier this month. The duo were subsequently banned from international football by the SFA and had feared their careers at Rangers were finished - before Smith had a change of heart this week. Derek admitted his brother had been "childish and petulant" and deserved the severe punishment meted out to him by the club. However, he revealed he had been taken aback by the level of abuse which had been directed his way, and which had taken its toll on those closest to him. He said: "The first few days after it were quite traumatic not just for Barry, but especially for my mum and my dad. It really upset them. "The kids, too. That is what people, the papers, don't take into account - the amount of abuse the kids have had. They go to school and have pals in their football team. They have had a lot of abuse as well. "There have been a lot of discussions between Barry and I in the last two weeks and with the family as well. It has hurt us all, especially the amount of venom which has been vented his way. "We all make mistakes in whatever walk of life and Barry has had the severest punishment Rangers could have handed out. "The most hurtful thing for me is that he has lost his captaincy and his name has been tarnished." He added: "Of course he's embarrassed by his actions. What he did was childish. But we all make mistakes. The upsetting thing for me was that there were a number of ex-players who were looking to put him down. I know some players who were having a go at him. They have let themselves down as well. "He is only human. The way people have gone on it's as if he's murdered somebody. He has made a mistake, he's held his hands up and he's taken the punishment. It was childish and petulant, but we need to move on." Ferguson revealed he was pleased that Smith has opened the door for them to return to the Glasgow club. Speaking on RTV he said: "At one point, it didn't look as if it they were going to get back in. I think Walter has had a wee bit of a rethink. But I think he was right about what he did. "Even when you are on Scotland duty or at a Rangers function the players are representing Rangers as well. "But Walter has said we need to draw a line under it. I think from Walter's point of view and from the players' point of view they will do that. "It would have been easy for Barry to feel sorry for himself, to take a week off and go away to maybe Dubai or some hot country, but he didn't. He just knuckled down and has trained at his own home. "One thing is for sure, when Barry is asked to go out and represent the club in terms of playing for them again he will give his all "He has got blue blood running through his veins. There will be no problem there. "He has taken the punishment on the chin and we will wait and see if he plays again. It will be down to Walter obviously. But if given the chance he will give it his best to help Rangers get the title back. He is Rangers through and through." Publication date 17/04/09 http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/display.var.2502632.0.0.php

By Andrew Dickson NEIL ALEXANDER will use his spell on the sidelines as motivation as he bids to make himself Rangers' number one goalkeeper in the long term. Neil AlexanderThe former Cardiff City star is in possession of the gloves at present, having started the Light Blues' last four games. So far he seems to have been something of a good omen and in each of the seven first-team games he has featured in this season, Gers have emerged triumphant. The 31-year-old took over from Allan McGregor after he was suspended by the club for his actions while he was representing Scotland. Alexander has spent much of this season living in his colleague's shadow and admits doing so has been more difficult than he thought. But now that he has been given an opportunity by Walter Smith, he's determined to grab it with both hands. "It has been very difficult being number two if I'm honest," Alexander said. "You sit there, analyse every game and see the good, bad and the ugly from the bench. "Not being involved is hard and sometimes you wonder why you're here when you could be away somewhere else playing every week. "I love it here, though, and Rangers are a fantastic football club. I'm very happy here and I'm very fortunate to be at Ibrox. Neil Alexander"At the moment, I'm just getting my head down and seeing what it brings and obviously, with Allan being out of the team just now, I'm getting a chance. "If I do well over the next few weeks, hopefully that will set me up nicely for next season and give me the opportunity to have an extended run in the side." Alexander has been unlucky not to play a bigger part in Rangers' campaign. When he was last in the team in September he did little wrong but was dropped after three games. Looking back, he accepts the reasons for that but is keen to put it behind him and make up for his absence with title SPL success. "I understand why the manager put Allan back in the team a few months ago," Alexander added. "He spoke to me about it when he made his decision and I appreciated that. "He tried to protect me and while it was disappointing to come out of the team, I think he wanted me to step down on a high. "I realise he wanted that rather than for me to go back to the bench on a low with the fans on my back after I'd made a mistake that had cost us or whatever. Neil Alexander"Because he did that, my confidence was still high in training every day and the supporters kept a good opinion of me. "In that respect, I don't have too many problems with what happened but you clearly want to play and I'm no different to anyone else. "I want to be in the team and think I should be playing but I know why things panned out the way they did and Allan was in fantastic form when he was recalled. "Due to circumstances, he's now out of the side again and I've got another chance so it's important I make the most of it. "As I've been on the bench for so long, it's going to take me three or four games just to get match fit again and get my eye in. "But hopefully I can go to do well and have a sustained period in the team that brings us some silverware."

WALTER SMITH was delighted to see Rangers close the gap at the top of the SPL at Easter Road but admits the victory has come at a cost with Sasa Papac taking a knock which could rule him out of forthcoming matches in the title run-in. The Bosnian international looks to have suffered ligament damage to his knee although the Gers gaffer faces an anxious wait to find out the extent of the problem. Sasa Papac and Hibs' Jonaton JohanssonPapac returned the starting eleven for today's 3-2 victory at against Hibs having needed stitches to an ankle wound picked up against St. Mirren and Smith is hoping his new injury is not as bad as first feared. He said: "Kris Boyd has taken a wee knock and should be ok but we have concerns for Papac as he took a sore one to his knee. "Hopefully it will settle down but we think there might be ligament damage there. It might not be major but we will have to wait and see." Goals from Steven Whittaker, Andrius Velicka and Mo Edu secured three vital points for the Light Blues on a tough trip to the capital and Smith was delighted with the commitment shown from every player in his team. He said: "It is never easy to come to Easter Road and get a result. "We got the early goal which was a nice cushion for us but we needed it as I thought Hibs played very well just after that. "We had one or two chances to increase our lead but overall I felt our possession was not as good as it should have been in the first-half. "But credit to Hibs as they put us under a lot of pressure and were quick to the ball. "Second-half I thought we played a bit better and obviously getting the second goal had a big impact on the game. Andrius Velicka "It was a terrific strike from Andrius and it came at an important time. "We then added another one but like many of our games this season we lost a goal although I have to say it was a great hit from John Rankin. "We had to deal with a little bit of pressure after that but overall we are delighted with the win prior to the split. "In recent weeks we have brought in players who haven't played as often as they would have liked. "But we have always had a good reaction from them when they have come in and joined the group. "Velicka's season has been upset a little bit through injury and Steven Smith has been out of things for a very long time. "So they have done very well and have shown a great commitment to the team."

The law may have intervened to smooth the return of Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor to the Rangers fold. Rangers manager Walter Smith this week softened his stance after initially indicating that the pair would not play for the club again. Indefinite suspension is not an option under standard Scottish Premier League player contracts. And the pair returned to training with Rangers on Friday following a two-week ban for misbehaviour with Scotland. Midfielder Ferguson and goalkeeper McGregor were dropped by national manager George Burley because of a drinking session that followed Scotland's World Cup qualifying defeat in Netherlands. They were then suspended for two weeks by Rangers after making V-signs at cameras from the Scotland bench during the following match at home to Iceland. Smith had privately briefed the media that he would not pick the players again for his side. But standard contracts state that clubs can only discipline players through dismissal, warnings or fines of up to four weeks' wages. Players have the right to appeal against these decisions to the SPL. Meanwhile, regulations from world governing body Fifa state that, if players are not given the chance to play, they can invoke a "sporting clause" that allows them to terminate their contract and walk away with their registration. Employment law could yet intervene at international level, Ferguson and McGregor having been told that they would not be chosen for their country again. However, under case law, the players have the right to a fair hearing, the right to be told of the charge in advance and the right to representation. And the procedures adopted by the Scottish FA appear to be open to question. Under normal procedure, this type of hearing has been heard by the governing body's general purposes committee but was instead heard by the board of directors. This could leave open the possibility of an appeal to the Court of Session or Judicial Review. Days after the initial decision, SFA chief executive Gordon Smith had appeared to soften the governing body's line by indicating that it could not be said that they would never play for their country as circumstances could change. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/8005078.stm

Rangers' Walter Smith will not say whether Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor will face Hibs on the players' return from suspension. More...

By Andrew Dickson SASA PAPAC and Kenny Miller are hopeful of returning to the Rangers squad for Sunday's trip to face Hibernian at Easter Road. Sasa Papac and Willo FloodBosnian defender Papac missed last weekend's 3-1 win over Motherwell with a gash in his foot, an injury sustained against St Mirren on April 8. He trained normally at Murray Park this morning and looks likely to be passed fit to feature in the capital. Whether he comes straight back into the squad is another matter, however, as Steven Whittaker did well in his left-back position against the Steelmen. One option could be to move Whittaker onto the left side of midfield against his old club but it appears Steven Smith has done enough to retain his place in the team. The 23-year-old made his first appearance in 51 weeks last Saturday and showed plenty of good touches - if a little rustiness too - in his 73-minute outing. Smith was deployed in the same position against Aberdeen's reserves in midweek and scored a penalty in a 2-1 win at Auchenhowie. That impressed manager Walter Smith and it is understood he'll stay involved in the capital. Stevie SmithMiller has not played since Scotland's 3-0 defeat in Holland last month and his last Gers appearance was two weeks before that in the League Cup final. He has seen a specialist about the hamstring problem which has been hindering him lately and he has reached a point where he could be ready to play once more. That comes as good news to boss Smith as he looks for competition to fit strikers Kris Boyd, Nacho Novo and Andrius Velicka. Kirk Broadfoot, Lee McCulloch, DaMarcus Beasley, Kyle Lafferty and Kevin Thomson are all out for the crucial clash with the Hibees. But former captain Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor are available for selection again after their two-week suspensions from the club ended. The pair returned to training today but are lacking match sharpness so it seems the best they can hope for are places on the bench.

PEDRO MENDES and Steve Davis have welcomed the decision by Walter Smith to consider Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor for selection. Smith announced yesterday that while he was still angry and disappointed by the players' actions while on Scotland duty he has changed his tune. Barry Ferguson and Pedro Mendes celebrateHe was initially of a mind never to let the pair pull on a blue jersey again but he has said he will now consider them in the run-in. Mendes said today: "It's a pleasure to play alongside Barry. He has been a very good player for Rangers and Scotland so it's good to have him back. "Any player would be missed. Barry and Allan are excellent players and good team mates so it would be good for everyone to have them back." Midfield parter Davis is of a similar mind. He said: "They are both big players for the club and it can only be a bonus to have them back. The two of them have been consistent performers in my time at Rangers." It is highly unlikely that either Ferguson or McGregor will be involved at Easter Road on Sunday and it remains to be seen if Smith will pick them in the coming weeks. However, Davis knows that Rangers have to continue their winning ways if they want to achieve their dream of winning the championship. He said: "We have three difficult games in a row and we have come through them all successfully so that has been important. "Results are the most important thing at this time of the season.Steven Davis "Everyone had pulled together. There have been a few different things we have had to deal with this season but I think there is good unity in the squad and hopefully that will take us through. "We have got ourselves in a good position and put a bit of pressure on Celtic who we still have to play so it's all about getting the right results in the final games. "Sunday will be tough. Hibs are challenging for the final spot in Europe so they will be looking for a result so it's going to be hard. We got a good result there earlier this season so hopefully we can replicate that."

MARK WALTERS rejected a plea from Sir David Murray to snub Liverpool and stay at Rangers. Now he looks back and confesses he may have been WRONG to turn his back on Ibrox. Walters was a right-wing revelation for the Gers, scoring an impressive 51 goals in 143 games, including an extra-time winner in an Old Firm Cup Final. But the skilful wideboy followed Graeme Souness to Anfield in 1991, despite a last-ditch offer from Gers chairman Murray to spearhead the Rangers attack under new boss Walter Smith. Walters said: ââ?¬Å?It was very hard for me to leave. I was happy and we had won three titles in a row. ââ?¬Å?But when Liverpool came in it was different. ââ?¬Å?It wasnââ?¬â?¢t just any old club, it was Englandââ?¬â?¢s most successful club and I felt it was too good a chance to miss. ââ?¬Å?Sir David Murray tried to convince me to stay and warned me Iââ?¬â?¢d regret moving, and maybe I do, but I felt I had to accept a new challenge.ââ?¬Â Walters arrived at Ibrox on New Yearââ?¬â?¢s Eve 1987. His early games were blighted by sickening racist chants and abuse, but he brushed them off and won the crowd over with the magic in his boots. He had burst onto the English scene with Aston Villa, but as the Midlands club struggled the wingerââ?¬â?¢s career stalled. Until Gers boss Souness swooped. In just over three years in Govan, Walters won three league titles and two Skol Cups, but alongside the glorious highs there were rare disappointments. He admitted: ââ?¬Å?Villa were a sleeping giant and my career wasnââ?¬â?¢t really going anywhere. I needed a change and was delighted when Rangers came in. ââ?¬Å?They were a huge club playing regularly in Europe, so for me it was a dream switch. ââ?¬Å?There was a bit of racism from a minority in my first few games, but Iââ?¬â?¢d encountered a little of it in England so I wasnââ?¬â?¢t too affected by that. ââ?¬Å?Winning the league and scoring in cup finals were memories Iââ?¬â?¢ll never forget, while Iââ?¬â?¢ll also never forget my first Gers goal, which was against Raith Rovers. ââ?¬Å?My biggest disappointment was losing the 1989 Scottish Cup Final. ââ?¬Å?We were after a treble, but we lost it at the final hurdle to Celtic, which made it doubly difficult. ââ?¬Å?But in the main all my memories of Ibrox are happy ones.ââ?¬Â Walters played alongside some of footballââ?¬â?¢s top stars in his time with Rangers, Liverpool and Villa. But just who would he select for his dream XI? SunSport took him down memory lane to find out. Chris Woods: Great all-round keeper, as brilliant at dominating his box and claiming crosses as he was shot-stopping. My Rangers team-mate would have had more caps had he not been Peter Shiltonââ?¬â?¢s understudy. Steve Nicol: Great engine and comfortable, and good enough, to play anywhere across the Liverpool back four or the midfield. Richard Gough: Another Ibrox team-mate and another very comfortable on the ball. He scored a lot of goals as well and he was so fit. Advertisement Click here Terry Butcher: Richardââ?¬â?¢s centre-half partner and another brilliant player. He had a fantastic range of passing and a never-say-die attitude. Great leader in the dressing room. Tony Dorigo: Great athlete who got up and down the park all day. We played together at Villa and, like the others in my dream team defence, Tony was capable of scoring goals. Mark Walters: I gave a decent run of goals for my position but I also made a few and liked to try and entertain the fans. Gordon Cowans: Deceptively strong for a small guy and never shirked a tackle. Technically very good and ran all day. Ian Durrant: Would have been among the best in the world had he not had that injury. I considered him world-class in his early 20s. Heââ?¬â?¢d have been the Scottish version of someone like Gazza for his ability on the ball. John Barnes: Born entertainer but very disciplined defensively. He scored a lot of goals and it was a pleasure to play alongside him at Liverpool. Ian Rush: Many headlines for his goals but there was so much more to his game. He helped start so many attacks for Liverpool by winning the ball off the opposition defenders. Peter Withe: Scored Villa winner in the European Cup Final. Great foil for Rush, holding the ball up as the target man. http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/article2378914.ece

I saw it on Sportcene last night and it looked stonewall to me. As McGhee said if it had happened at the other end he would have been doing a dance. Be a man McLean and admit you made a mistake not a great'n big baby blaming everyone but yourself.