UEFA Cup semi is well within range, says Smith
The Scottish league leaders are chasing a domestic treble and European glory, and edged into the quarter-finals with a 2-1 aggregate victory over Werder Bremen.
They could have been drawn to face Bayern Munich, so Rangers were happy to avoid the German giants and satisfied with their draw.
“Portuguese sides always have a bit of flair and a good balance but I feel we have a good chance to progress,” Smith said.
“We have gone through against one of the sides I considered to be one of the favourites so hopefully we can continue our run. We are obviously delighted to be in the last eight and we would want to go further.
“There has been a great resilience about the team in Europe this season and hopefully that continues in our matches with Sporting.”
Rangers defeated Sporting in the second round on their way to winning the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1972.
Sporting knocked out Bolton on Wednesday night, winning 2-1 on aggregate thanks to a 1-0 win over Gary Megson’s side in the Portuguese capital.
Rangers winger Chris Burke believes the Light Blues are capable of going all the way in Europe.
“Realistically I think we showed we’ve got a great chance,” he said.
“I think we’ve shown already in Europe that we can compete with any team. And I think teams that are now still in the competition will be looking at us and saying, ‘’They’re a very good side.’. You have to believe and if you’re still in the competition anybody can win it.”
The quarter-final ties take place on April 3 and 10. If Rangers get past Sporting, they will meet PSV Eindhoven or Fiorentina in the semi-finals.
UEFA Cup draw
Quarter-finals: Bayer Leverkusen v Zenit St Petersburg; Rangers v Sporting Lisbon; Bayern Munich v Getafe; Fiorentina v PSV. (Ties on April 3 and 10.)
Semi-finals: Bayern Munich/Getafe v Bayer Leverkusen/Zenit St Petersburg; Rangers/Sporting v Fiorentina/PSV. (Ties on April 24 and May 1.)
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