McCoist taking Malmo seriously

25 July 2011 17:17
Rangers manager Ally McCoist has stressed the importance of securing a place in the lucrative Champions League group stages.[LNB] The Scottish champions must see off Swedish outfit Malmo in the first leg of their third qualifying round tie on Tuesday and then successfully negotiate a play-off before they can line-up against the continent's elite in the eight pools of four.[LNB]Former Scotland striker McCoist, who graduated to the role of manager after working under Walter Smith, knows it is crucial the Glaswegians progress.[LNB]He said: "It's vitally important, it goes without saying. The financial rewards are there for everybody to see but, at the same time, it's where you want to play.[LNB]"The players and fans at this football club want to see Champions League football and they want to be involved in Champions League football.[LNB]"We have been lucky enough to have it a few times in recent seasons and we are desperate to taste it again."[LNB]Rangers fans are banned from travelling to next week's away leg in Sweden after the club were found guilty of charges relating to discriminatory behaviour by their supporters last season.[LNB]On the subject of sectarian behaviour, McCoist said: "We don't want it, let's be honest.[LNB]"We have made that crystal clear. We don't need it, we don't want it.[LNB]"I've said all along, if supporters are breaking the law then they should be arrested. It doesn't matter what team they support.[LNB]"The laws are there for everybody to see and abide by and, if you break them, you should be dealt with."[LNB]Also tomorrow, FC Twente open their challenge with a game against Romania's Vaslui.[LNB]The fixture has had to be moved from Twente's De Grolsch Veste stadium due to a roof collapsing during construction recently and will now be played at Vitesse Arnhem's home, the Gelredome.[LNB]Other notable fixtures tomorrow see Partizan Belgrade go to Belgian champions Genk, while Dynamo Kiev host Rubin Kazan.[LNB]Danish champions FC Copenhagen, who ran away with the SAS-Liga last term, host Ireland's Shamrock Rovers the following night.[LNB]Also in action on Wednesday are twice European Cup winners Benfica, who host Trabzonspor in Lisbon, and Greek champions Panathinaikos, who visit Odense.[LNB]

Source: Team_Talk