R.B. 0 Posted March 14, 2007 Share Posted March 14, 2007 According to Darrell King, Rae Plays: Smith: I stick with Sebo by Darrell King FILIP SEBO has been handed the task of firing Rangers into the last eight of the Uefa Cup against Osasuna tonight. The much-maligned Slovakian has earned a vote of confidence from boss Walter Smith, who sticks by the team which beat Celtic 1-0. The only change is Gavin Rae for banned skipper Barry Ferguson. Rae or Davie Weir will be captain. The Rangers team is: McGregor, Hutton, Ehiogu, Weir, Murray, Adam, Hemdani, Rae, Thomson, Sebo, Novo. Sebo, who last started at Inverness Caley on December 27, was a surprise Old Firm choice ahead of Kris Boyd, who Smith said was being rested during a hectic five games in 13 days. advertisementIt was only Sebo's fourth SPL start, and he was targeted mercilessly by the Celtic fans. But he put in a hard-working shift as the lone striker, closing down the Celtic defence, and Smith feels the same will be needed tonight. Rangers were fortunate to escape the first leg with a 1-1 draw, but they will need more than luck tonight, according to their manager. Smith concedes Osasuna are favourites, despite Rangers having lost just one of their Maloney to bolster his attack. The former Celtic team-mates - Maloney moved to Aston Villa in January and has yet to make his home debut - join Kris Boyd and Kenny Miller as the only strikers. James McFadden and Garry O'Connor are injured. Hibs' Scott Brown and Chris Burke of Rangers are added to increase midfield options, with Man United star Darren Fletcher out of both games. Celtic centre-back Gary Caldwell keeps his place, despite a knee injury forcing him out of all football since November. Caldwell, who scored the goal against France that took Scotland to the top of the group, was back on the bench for Sunday's Old Firm clash and could return to the Bhoys' starting line-up at Falkirk this weekend. His presence could be significant, as Scotland have Steven Pressley suspended for Georgia. There is a recall for versatile ex-Celt Jackie McNamara, recently returned to the Wolves team after a long injury. Next up after Italy will be the Faroe Islands in June, and they will make Scotland return to the scene of two of their greatest embarrassments after confirming the venue as Svangaskard Stadium in Toftir instead of the new national stadium in Torshavn, which stages the qualifier against Italy four days earlier. The move appears calculated to make life difficult for Scotland, who have been held to two Euro qualifying draws in Toftir. Scotland were first frustrated there in 1999, drawing 1-1 when Allan Johnston scored for Craig Brown's team. Three years later, Berti Vogts saw his side fall 2-0 behind after 12 minutes but recovered to draw 2-2. Both campaigns ended with Scotland failing to qualify for the Euro Finals. Publication date 14/03/07 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super_Ally 0 Posted March 14, 2007 Share Posted March 14, 2007 If thats true we've just made things a hell of a lot harder for ourselves. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
fraser54 0 Posted March 14, 2007 Share Posted March 14, 2007 Well if it's true it isn't that bad but the thing i want to know is what Smith has got wrong with Prso 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
craig 5,199 Posted March 14, 2007 Share Posted March 14, 2007 Just been confirmed that Rae is the only change from the team vs Celtic. I don't see where the creativity is going to come from - could be a long night 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whosthedado 1,709 Posted March 14, 2007 Share Posted March 14, 2007 I'm no holding out much hope having seen the team. Just have to 'Keep Believing' I suppose. We did it on Sunday against the odds so we'll just have to do it again............... 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gazza_8 233 Posted March 14, 2007 Share Posted March 14, 2007 Absolute fuckin' joke. That's 4 games back to back we've struggled to create any clear cut chances. Yet again I'm disgusted with Walter Smith. He needs to give himself a fuckin' shake! 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
craig 5,199 Posted March 15, 2007 Share Posted March 15, 2007 The big problem is that he bought Thomson for 2 mill and is now trying to force a formation around him. If that was all he was going to do he should just have spent the 2 mill on a decent striker and stuck with BF, Hemdani and Rae as his 3 CM's (obviously no need to squeeze a formation from that 3 as Rae would be a non-starter !). 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian1964 10,761 Posted March 15, 2007 Author Share Posted March 15, 2007 If our players could trap, pass & control a ball then maybe we would have a chance, but let's be honest, we are a poor side with poor players, i never thought for a minute that we would get a result last night, we have tightened up as a team in the SPL and that is why we will finish second IMO, which was the target when WS came in, so if we finish second, job done and let's see who he brings in next season 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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