Reuters

Ferguson praises team spirit

Updated 11.26 Fri May 02 2008

Keywords: dick advocaat, uefa cup final, barry ferguson, rangers, scottish premier league, spl, uefa cup, football, sport

Rangers captain Barry Ferguson has described the Uefa Cup semi-final victory over Fiorentina as the greatest moment of his career.

The two-legged tie finished 0-0 on aggregate over two legs, but Rangers won a penalty shootout in Florence to set up a meeting with Zenit St Petersburg in the final.

"I never thought I would reach a European final" - Barry Ferguson

Ferguson missed his penalty in the shootout but was proud to see team-mate Nacho Novo seal victory.

Ferguson said: "This is the best night of my career, apart from missing the penalty. It's all down to the spirit of the boys and it's the best I've ever played with.

"We're in the final and it's scary but we just have to enjoy the occasion. It's a massive occasion.

"I never, ever thought I would reach a European final."

In the final, Ferguson will come face-to-face with former Rangers manager Dick Advocaat, who is now in charge of Zenit.

Ferguson said: "I won't speak to him before the game but hopefully I will speak to him afterwards when we have won the cup."