Rangers FC

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• Manager:Walter Smith

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Smith hails Rangers spirit

02 May 2008 - 07:09:10

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Walter Smith hailed Rangers' determination after they booked their place in the UEFA Cup Final following a penalty shoot-out victory over Fiorentina.

Rangers won 4-2 on spot-kicks with Nacho Novo converting the final penalty after both legs of a tight semi-final had ended goalless.

The Ibrox club will now come face-to-face with former manager Dick Advocaat and his Zenit St Petersburg side in the final in Manchester on May 14.

"It is a fantastic result we have achieved tonight," said the Gers boss.

"I'm delighted for everyone, for the chairman, for the players and for the fans.

"We were aware that we would be under a fair amount of pressure as Fiorentina put a lot of pressure on their opponents when playing at home.

"Over the season, not just in this evening's game, the spark and determination shown by my team has been fantastic.

"But when I saw the level of commitment from my players who were able to keep the game 0-0, it gives me great joy.

"I don't think Fiorentina could have done so much more than they did in the game - we are a team difficult to score against."