Rangers would not fear English opposition in Europa League - Walter Smith

RANGERS boss Walter Smith says he would welcome the prospect of facing English opposition in a "glamour" tie when his side compete in the last 32 of the Europa League.

• Former Everton teammates Wayne Rooney (left) and Davie Weir share a laugh during Rangers Champions League clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford in September

The Glasgow club have already come up against Manchester United in the Champions League this season, holding them to a goalless draw at Old Trafford before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat at Ibrox.

The Scottish champions are unseeded for Friday's Europa League draw, with Manchester City and Liverpool both possible rivals if the former win their group.

But regardless of who Rangers face, Smith insists his side will approach the competition without any fear.

He told Rangers News: "I'm not too bothered who we get in the draw, but in terms of glamour it would be nice to land an English team again.

"We're not seeded so we will be at home in the first leg and some clubs regard that as a disadvantage but I think we're better away from home.

"This is not a second-string tournament, it will be a hotly-contested competition and the teams moving into it from the Champions League are strong.

"We'll go into it without any fear. When we got to the final of the UEFA Cup in 2008 we had to face some difficult teams and there will be tough opposition ahead once again."