Rangers boss: 'Euro dream is still alive'

Updated 09.12 Thu Nov 08 2007

Keywords: Lionel Messi, Thierry Henry, Barcelona, SPL, Rangers, Walter Smith, football, sport

Walter Smith is confident Rangers can bounce back from their 2-0 defeat in Barcelona to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League.

A goal apiece from Thierry Henry and Lionel Messi saw the Catalan giants ease past the Gers at the Nou Camp to go three points clear at the top of Group E.

"We are now guaranteed Uefa Cup football but we would like to qualify for the next stage of the Champions League" - Walter Smith

And with Lyon beating VfB Stuttgart 3-0 at the Stade Gerland, Smith's men know they are assured of a place in the Uefa Cup.

But the Gers will be out to reach the last 16 of European club football's most prestigious competition for the second time in three seasons with Smith saying: "Obviously we are delighted to have secured European football after Christmas.

"We knew we were in a tough group at the start so to do it with two games to go is great. We are now guaranteed Uefa Cup football but we would like to qualify for the next stage of the Champions League."

With a trip to Stuttgart to come before Lyon visit Ibrox next month, Smith is determined for his men to build on their fine opening three displays in the competition.

The Rangers boss added: "We still have an opportunity to qualify, though, and that's what we hope to do. We will go to Stuttgart and do our best to qualify before our final game.

"We have had good performances against Stuttgart and Lyon already and if Barca do a good job in Lyon and we win in Stuttgart then we will make it."