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UEFA CUP: Hemdani on a high as Sporting call

/noticias.info/ Brahim Hemdani, a UEFA Cup finalist with Olympique de Marseille in 2004, knows better than most what it takes to reach the pinnacle of European competition.

Potential winner
As Rangers FC prepare for their quarter-final first leg against Sporting Clube de Portugal, the 30-year-old midfielder believes that every remaining side in the tournament is a potential winner. "Perhaps it is still a little early to talk about who will go all the way in the UEFA Cup," said Hemdani, who has overcome a groin strain and is expected to start Thursday's game. "However, I have no doubt that all the teams left are good enough to beat every other opponent."

European specialist
The Algerian, if not a regular in Rangers' domestic lineup, has missed only one of the Glasgow club's 14 matches on the European stage this season. So, despite his infrequent deployment by manager Walter Smith, Hemdani enjoys his specialist role in Rangers' bid for continental glory. "I knew when I came to Rangers that it is a club that tries to win everything," he added. "We have a big squad and, in all of the different situations, every player knows his job. Of course, being involved in all competitions means we must play many matches, but it is a good position to be in."

'A massive task'
Having helped UEFA Champions League dropouts Rangers keep clean sheets in both of their previous UEFA Cup home games – against Panathinaikos FC and Werder Bremen – Hemdani is well aware of the importance of not conceding at Ibrox. Against Sporting, he anticipates another stern test of his side's defensive capability. "We are not favourites to win the UEFA Cup and we have a massive task ahead if we are to reach the final," admitted the Marseille and RC Strasbourg old boy. "However, if we continue to defend as a team, as we have done throughout this season, then I believe we have a chance. The important thing is that Sporting don't score against us at home."

Feel-good factor
Rangers go into the match on a high after the leaders' 1-0 weekend victory over Scottish Premier League rivals Celtic FC. Hemdani hopes the boost from that win will be enough to propel Rangers past the Portuguese visitors and into the UEFA Cup semi-final. He said: "Our success has been built upon working hard for each other and the atmoshpere in our squad is excellent. Winning big games gives you that extra belief and, right now, everyone at the club is smiling. We have four games left to make it to the final so who knows? Anything can happen." notas_de_prensa_archivo