Source: Team_Talk
Thomson fires European warning
A dramatic SPL title triumph on the last day of the season means the Scottish champions have already booked their place in the lucrative group stages.
While Old Firm rivals Celtic face the daunting prospect of qualification, Walter Smith's men know they are guaranteed at least six glamour ties in Europe's top club competition.
Thomson is realistic enough to know that Rangers are unlikely to be challenging for silverware on the continental stage this season but insists they will still give the Champions League their best shot.
"We will give it a go," said the midfielder.
"We don't know yet what top-class teams we are going to come up against. One thing we do know is that they are going to be good, they are going to be top teams.
"Hopefully it will be enjoyable for the punters and for Rangers as well. We are there to compete.
"We are certainly not thinking about going on and winning the tournament but, no matter who we come up against, we will give 100%.
"If we can get through the group stages it would be great but, if not, then hopefully we can get third place and the Europa League would be the next stage."
Rangers may not boast the sort of budgets enjoyed by the top teams in Europe but Thomson believes they can take encouragement from reaching the UEFA Cup final last year.
He said: "When you look around the world at top teams spending £80million and £50million on players, I think it's realistic to say that Rangers can't compete at that level.
"But we are what we are. We are a huge club and it wasn't long ago that we were in the UEFA Cup final.
"We know what we are capable of, we give 100% and we will do exactly the same in this tournament."
After more than seven months on the sidelines with a cruciate injury, Thomson, in particular, will relish every minute of the Champions League.
He was part of the side who suffered a shock exit to Lithuanian outfit FBK Kaunas at the qualifying stage 12 months ago and is keen to exorcise those ghosts.
"All the disappointment we suffered over Kaunas still hurts so it's a great achievement for the boys to get straight into the group stage," he said.
"We look forward to the draw and fingers crossed we get some big-hitters and some big games for the home supporters."
