PSV tie rekindles fond memories

THE Europa League last-16 tie against PSV Eindhoven next month will spark happy recollections for Rangers fans of various vintages.

The two previous occasions the clubs met in European competition were among some of the most memorable the Ibrox men have enjoyed, with a 3-2 aggregate win to reach the quarter-finals of the European Cup in 1978-79 and then home and away wins in the Champions League group stage of 1999-2000.

As manager Walter Smith was quick to point out in the wake of Thursday night's away goals success in Lisbon, however, the current Rangers squad will have their work cut out to retain their unbeaten record against the Dutch giants.

After a couple of trophy free seasons, PSV are now enjoying a resurgence. They lead the Eredevisie table by two points from reigning champions Twente Enschede with third-placed Ajax a further three points adrift.

PSV have lost only three of their 24 league games so far and are unbeaten in a Europa League campaign which saw them face Sampdoria, Metalist Kharkov and Debrecen in the group stage before reaching the last 16 with a 5-3 aggregate win over French League leaders Lille.