Rangers boss confident of breaking Molde after stalemate

RANGERS manager Paul Le Guen is confident the team will progress to the group stages of the UEFA Cup after leaving Molde with a goalless draw.

The Ibrox boss had been hopeful of a win against a team who are struggling near the bottom of the Norwegian league.

Both teams will meet again in the return leg at Ibrox in a fortnight’s time and Le Guen believes Rangers will successfully come through the first-round tie. “I am not totally satisfied because I wanted to win the game and we drew but I hope it’s not a bad result for us,” he said. “We must be aware that it will be a difficult next game but we are still optimistic.”

Barry Ferguson, Lee Martin and Thomas Buffel were drafted into the starting line-up following Saturday’s 4-0 win over Falkirk, replacing Jeremy Clement, Chris Burke and Dado Prso.

Le Guen admitted a gruelling schedule prompted the full use of the players at his disposal.

“I have confidence in my whole squad. I rely on every player,” he said.

Goalkeeper Allan McGregor made his European debut in place of injured first choice Lionel Letizi and Le Guen said: “He did well. I said yesterday that I have confidence in him”.

Molde manager Arild Stavrum believes there is still a chance of his team causing an upset at Ibrox after such a spirited display at the Aker Stadium.

MOLDE: Larsen, Andreasson, Kallio, Berg Hestad, Hoseth, Ohr, Rudi, Rindaroy (Strand3 71), Grande, Mavric, Konate (Diouf 82).

RANGERS: McGregor, Smith, Svensson, Rodriguez, Bardsley, Martin, Ferguson (Clement 76), Hemdani, Sionko (Prso 65), Buffel (Burke 67), Kris Boyd.

Referee: Jacek Granat (Poland).