Scottish grit takes on Russian style in UEFA Cup final

The Scottish side have already landed the Scottish League Cup, can move two points clear of arch rivals Celtic in the title race if they win their two games in hand, and will face Queen of the South in the Scottish Cup final on May 24.

 The congested fixture list is testing coach Walter Smith's squad to the limit - after Wednesday's showpiece they have to play three league games within five days - and while Zenit were able to put their feet up at the weekend, Rangers played a tough league fixture against Dundee United.

 "It's more a matter of making sure that everyone achieves as much rest as they can and trying to achieve the right balance for those who haven't taken part in the weekend game," said a resigned Smith after the game.

 "We want to enjoy the final and the build-up and I felt a free weekend would have given us a bit of respite."

   Smith has to plan without Daniel Cousin as the striker is banned following his dismissal in the semi-final second leg tie against Italian side Fiorentina, when Rangers eventually prevailed in a penalty shootout.

 However, Lee McCulloch is fit and available again after recovering from an ankle injury he picked up against Celtic last month and is fully rested as he was left out of the squad for the 3-1 win against Dundee United.

 McCulloch celebrates his 30th birthday on Wednesday and although he lacks match fitness feels he can do a job in Manchester.

 "Everybody has probably thought about being left out. We all want to play and we all want to start, myself included," he told the club's website.

 "But if Walter doesn't pick me, I'll just have to get on with it. It is the same for everyone else.

 "The manager has done that much for every player at the club that I don't think they could bear any grudges towards him if they were dropped."

   Zenit, meanwhile, are fresh and raring to go ahead of their first European final and having thumped Bayern Munich 4-0 to ensure a place in the final, coach Dick Advocaat is confident his side can prevail against his old club.

 "After we beat Bayern I told them if you play like you did against the Germans you have a good chance of winning the trophy," said the Dutchman, who spent three and a half years at Rangers between 1998 and 2002, winning two league titles.

 Advocaat will be without striker Pavel Pogrebnyak, who is suspended, but welcomes back Andrei Arshavin, a player Zenit will be hoping can unlock a mean Rangers defence that has conceded just two goals in its last eight European matches.

DPA