UEFA Cup: Amoruso plays down van Hooijdonk threat

Lorenzo Amoruso insists Rangers have nothing to fear from Feyenoord's striker Pierre van Hooijdonk.

The former Celtic hitman was overlooked by Dick Advocaat for Holland's clash with England in Amsterdam.

That could prompt van Hooijdonk to take his frustration out on Rangers when the two teams meet in the UEFA Cup next week.

But Amoruso claims Rangers will have no problems dealing with the former Parkhead favourite.

He said: "I have seen some video tapes of him and I think he is a very good player, but I am sure we can handle him.

"We are playing against some important players and he will be a threat, but I'm sure we can prepare for that."

As Rangers head into the last 16 of the competition, Amoruso admits it is important for manager Alex McLeish to start building a side that will allow Rangers to progress both domestically and on the European stage in the future.

He believes one such player could be Metz midfielder Mario Espartero, who has been training with the Rangers squad.

Amoruso said: "Mario looks like he is a very good player - he's quick, he has good technique and is quite confident.

"It is up to the manager but he has let him come here and I think he is maybe the type of player he is looking for.

"It is a good sign that we haven't wasted money. I think he'll use money but that he'll use it in a good way.

"When we spend the money we have to make sure that we are making the right move.

"We are hoping for good players that will help us go forward in Scotland and Europe as well."