Thomson feels Rangers can make an impact in Europe

Published on Wednesday 1 July 2009 09:58

KEVIN THOMSON has warned that Rangers will not be in the Champions League just to make up the numbers.

While Celtic face the daunting prospect of qualification, Walter Smith's men know they are guaranteed at least six glamour ties in Europe's top club competition.

Thomson is realistic enough to know that Rangers are unlikely to be challenging for silverware on the continental stage this season but insists they will still give the Champions League their best shot. "We will give it a go," said the midfielder. "We don't know yet what top-class teams we are going to come up against. One thing we do know is that they are going to be top teams. "Hopefully it will be enjoyable for the punters and for Rangers as well. We are there to compete. We are certainly not thinking about going on and winning the tournament but, no matter who we come up against, we will give 100 per cent.

"If we can get through the group stages it would be great but, if not, then hopefully we can get third place and the Europa League."

Rangers may not boast the sort of budgets enjoyed by the top teams in Europe but Thomson believes they can take encouragement from reaching the UEFA Cup final last year.

He said: "When you look around the world at top teams spending 80million and 50million on players, I think it's realistic to say that Rangers can't compete at that level. But we are a huge club and it wasn't long ago that we were in the UEFA Cup final."