Hemdani Set For Return

[ian1964 10,720]

EURO specialist Brahim Hemdani is set to return to the starting line-up as Rangers take on Sporting Club in the first leg of their UEFA Cup quarter-final on Thursday night.

 

The French-Algerian has been a key man on he European stage and having recovered from a groin strain, he is set to be given a major role against the Lisbon side.

 

Hemdani, who has only missed one of Rangers' 14 games in the Champions League and UEFA Cup this season, was injured in the CIS Cup Final against Dundee United but he is fit again now.

 

Similarly, Kevin Thomson has been passed fit for the vital first leg against the Portuguese men after hurting his shin in Saturday's Old Firm triumph in whicb he was the goal-scoring hero.

 

Boss Walter Smith said: "Brahim Hemdani will be fit again. He has had a groin injury for the past couple of weeks which has ruled him out of the games.

 

"Kevin should make it. It was a knock on the shin which was a rather painful one but he will be fit for Thursday."

[Gribz 847]

Will be interesting to see if he plays, Id play him for sure. It may be Dailly makes way with his broken toe.

[calscot 0]

I wouldn't drop Thomson; due to injury, the guy has fresh legs and has been excellent since he came back.

 

I'd rather replace Dailly considering his toe, but if he's ok, the team that played against Celtic would do me fine.

 

Don't know if Papac is also fit, but thought Whittaker had a really good OF game too. His best for a while. Broadfoot has really taken his chance and must be loving keeping the former Hibs right back out of his natural position.

 

Is Adam suspended?

[Gribz 847]

 

Don't know if Papac is also fit, but thought Whittaker had a really good OF game too. His best for a while. Broadfoot has really taken his chance and must be loving keeping the former Hibs right back out of his natural position.

 

Papac had an illness so id expect him to have shaken that off and id bring him back, he has been doing very well at LB.

 

Not sure about Adam yet but once again I find it shocking that i would play him ahead of McCulloch. I still think McCulloch is going through a bit of a bad patch and Adam can get a goal out of a set piece.

[alanmidd 0]

Papac had an illness so id expect him to have shaken that off and id bring him back, he has been doing very well at LB.

 

Not sure about Adam yet but once again I find it shocking that i would play him ahead of McCulloch. I still think McCulloch is going through a bit of a bad patch and Adam can get a goal out of a set piece.

 

Papac is ok and Adam is suspended

 

Lee McCulloch is always in a bad patch

[ian1964 10,720]

EURO specialist Brahim Hemdani hinted today that he may stay on at Rangers next season despite constant speculation that he will go in the summer.

 

Brahim HemdaniThe former Marseille captain, who led that side in the 2004 UEFA Cup Final, has a year go after the conclusion of this campaign.

 

Hemdani has been used sparingly on the domestic scene by Walter Smith but he has only missed one of Rangers' 14 matches in Europe and is certain to be a key man against Sporting tomorrow night.

 

His lack of action in the SPL has led to speculation that he will go when this season is over, but he insisted that the European adventure has been invigorating for him.

 

He said: "Every player is ready to play. It's up to the manager to decide who plays.Brahim Hemdani

 

"I have always had a good relationship with him and I have the same relationship with all of the other players.

 

"It's true there was a lot of speculation around me in the last window but I said I would stay until the end of the season and I am happy to be here.

 

"I don't know if I will leave. I still have a year of my contract left. Everybody will have to think about the situation but this is not the time.

 

"We hope that we have four more games in Europe after this one because that will mean we are in the final.

 

"That is big motivation for everyone - not just me."