High hopes for British clubs in Europe

Newcastle and Rangers should have high hopes of progressing through the first-ever group stage of the UEFA Cup following today’s draw but Middlesbrough and Hearts face stiffer tests.

With three sides to qualify from each group of five – each clubs plays two home matches and two away – there should be little to fear for Graeme Souness’ Magpies in Group D with home matches against Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon and Dinamo Tbilisi from Georgia and trips to French club Sochaux and Panionios in Greece.