Thomson doubtful for Rangers

RANGERS MIDFIELDER Kevin Thomson is rated doubtful for tonight's meeting with Zenit St Petersburg.

Thomson limped out of last Saturday's win over Dundee United with a foot injury which is still causing concern.

Steven Naismith (knee) and Allan McGregor (ankle) remain on the sidelines, while Daniel Cousin is suspended following his red card in the Uefa Cup semi-final against Fiorentina.

With Cousin banned, Frenchman Jean-Claude Darcheville is the hot favourite to lead the Rangers attack. Signed from Bordeaux last summer, the 32-year-old has the pace and power to trouble any defence and has performed well in Europe already.

Rangers legend Ally McCoist insists Walter Smith's team are ready. "Everyone I've been speaking to is coming down and looking forward to it," said the club's assistant manager. "It's going to be a wonderful, wonderful occasion, and I just really pray we can bring the cup home for them. It'd be great just to win it."

Dick Advocaat, who declared yesterday there were no injury worries among his squad, can welcome back Andrei Arshavin from a ban, although star striker Pavel Pogrebnyak is suspended.

"All respect to Pavel, but I have to talk about the players who are available," said the Zenit manager. "Arshavin is a quality player of exceptional talent and hopefully he can show that."

Banned Pogrebnyak added: "It doesn't happen that often that players get enough yellow cards to miss the final but Zenit can win without me."

Rangers v Zenit St Petersburg

Venue: City of Manchester Stadium

Kick-off: Tonight, 7.45pm

On TV: TV3, UTV & Setanta Ireland

© 2008 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times