Rangers midfielder targets Champions League knockout stages
Rangers midfielder Lee McCulloch is targeting a place in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League as a reward for manager Walter Smith.
The Ibrox boss is retiring at the end of this season and McCulloch believes that there can be no better send off for a man who has enjoyed two trophy-laden spells in charge of the Scottish Premier League champions.
McCulloch told reporters that: "It would be tremendous to give him something like a last 16 position or a league title and maybe a cup as well. That is what we are aiming for, but it's easier said than done."
McCulloch added that the Rangers squad were fired up to give Smith an appropriate send-off with the 3-1 win over Celtic in the first Old Firm derby of the season testament to that fact.
'Sense of relief after win over Celtic'
He said that: "I think everybody had a sense of relief after the Celtic game recently. It wasn't just because it was our rivals. It was to give the gaffer a send-off by being the manager who's won the most Old Firm games.
"I think the respect he gains from the boys is something I've never seen before. Everyone of us is desperate to do well for him and obviously ourselves and the fans. But I think it would be a great send-off if the gaffer does decide to leave."
Rangers will take a big step towards qualifying through to the next round if they can overcome La Liga side Valencia at the Mestalla on Tuesday, 2 November, in the group stage of the competition.
The sides drew 1-1 in their previous meeting at Ibrox on 20 October. Rangers are two points behind leaders Manchester United, while Valencia are a further point back.
Valencia have claimed just one point from their last two games in La Liga, and Rangers will be hoping to take advantage of their recent slump in form.
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