McLeish looks to Old Trafford for secret of success

RANGERS manager Alex McLeish has sought advice from his mentor Alex Ferguson about how to reach the next stage of the Champions League.

McLeish insisted it was early days when asked whether the Scottish champions could negotiate the group stage for the first time.

But a 2-1 Ibrox win over Stuttgart on Wednesday night has made that a very real possibility, especially as the Germans were regarded as their strongest rivals for second place in a group that already sees Manchester United at its summit.

McLeish has already contacted Ferguson, his old manager at Aberdeen, for advice and is to study how United demolished Rangers next opponents Panathinaikos on Tuesday night. The Greeks were hammered 5-0 at Old Trafford and entertain Rangers on October 1.

McLeish said: “I will watch the tape. Panathinaikos have a really good record at home but we will go there and try to take something from that game. I have spoken to Alex and he said it was important to get something from every game,” said McLeish.

Rangers came back from behind to beat Stuttgart with two late goals, with Christian Nerlinger firing in an equaliser before substitute Peter Lovenkrands weighed in with a remarkable solo effort.

And McLeish was all the more pleased because Rangers had been without automatic first picks Craig Moore and Ronald de Boer, as well as back-up striker Steven Thompson.

McLeish had already been forced into a change when Fernando Ricksen was stretchered off with a head wound and concussion and he was keen that the injury list did not get any longer.

He said: “Sometimes there is not a lot you can do. It doesn’t matter how good you are as a coach or a manager.

“When you lose your best players it becomes much more difficult. Alex Ferguson is no different.

“I’m not saying I’m as good as him but every manager will suffer if he doesn’t have his best players available. The boys are going down like ninepins and we certainly can’t afford another one or a couple. That would be crippling for us,” he said.

Moore is close to a comeback but de Boer might be sidelined for a longer period.

“Craig Moore is not too far away. We should have him back for the next Champions League game, if not the next domestic game this weekend,” said McLeish.

“Ronald has still not started training with the group yet. We are waiting for the go-ahead from the physios and the doctor as to when that will happen. But he has had a good operation, his rehab is good and he is pleased himself with his progress.

“And of course we didn’t bring Ronald de Boer to Rangers to miss these games. We need Ronald de Boer fit and able if we are going to try to progress in this Champions League.”

Ricksen was released after spending the night at Glasgow’s Southern General Hospital.

Club doctor Ian McGuinness also checked him over and the Dutchman is expected to be sidelined for at least three weeks after needing five stitches in his head wound.