Weir ready for European break

07 March 2011 19:30

David Weir is relishing the opportunity to escape the "madness" of Glasgow as Rangers prepare to take on PSV Eindhoven in the last 16 of the Europa League.

The Scottish champions travel to Holland for the first leg this week on the back of a 1-0 win over St Mirren in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League. The victory in Paisley - thanks to a first senior goal from Kyle Bartley - allowed Rangers to return to winning ways following their explosive Scottish Cup exit against Celtic, which is still dominating headlines several days on.

"Everybody looks forward to those games," said veteran defender Weir. "They are nice, they freshen things up and give you a wee lift. You get a wee bit of energy from those games to be honest. It's nice to go and play different teams in different stadiums and get away from the madness that is Glasgow."

Rangers had eight players missing and were able to name just six substitutes for the clash with St Mirren.

"It was an excuse for us if we wanted it," said Weir. "We had a lot of players out and a lot of important players missing. But the lads who came in did well and that shows we have a bit of depth.

"Team spirit has never been a problem, regardless of circumstances. Football is never a smooth path and not everything goes your way.

"You have to respond to the disappointments and the obstacles put in your way. I think we've done that in the past, but that doesn't count for anything now. We've got to do it every day."

The win over Saints allowed Rangers to move back within five points of SPL leaders Celtic, with two games in hand over their rivals.

"Games like the St Mirren game can go a long way," Weir said. "But you have to win all sorts of games, it's not that complicated. We need to keep winning and keep grinding results.

"In an ideal world you would win comfortably and play well. It was a grind and we can't get away from that. They made it difficult for us, but we answered the questions."

Source: PA