Smith upbeat despite absentees

RANGERS manager Walter Smith has every confidence his patched-up team will come through tonight’s tie against Fiorentina with their hopes of reaching the UEFA Cup final still alive.

A long, hard season and the pursuit of four trophies is finally beginning to take its toll, with several key players injured or suspended ahead of the last-four clash at Ibrox.

Captain Barry Ferguson and Kevin Thomson are both banned for the first leg, while injured quartet of goalkeeper Allan McGregor, Lee McCulloch, Charlie Adam, Steven Naismith and Chris Burke are all likely to miss both matches against the Italians.