Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson is looking forward to having another shot at the Champions League.
Midfielder hoping to make amends for this season's display
Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson is looking forward to having another shot at the UEFA Champions League next season.
The club's below-par showing in Europe was the only glitch in an otherwise memorable campaign, in which they retained the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title and secured the Co-operative Insurance Cup.
Walter Smith's side suffered a 4-1 shock defeat to Romanian side Unirea Urziceni at Ibrox and also conceded four goals against Sevilla to finish bottom of their group.
Rangers now have an opportunity to redeem themselves after landing the SPL title and clinching their spot in the group stages next season, and Thomson is hoping for an improved display.
Tough
"Going from reaching the UEFA Cup final a couple of years ago to struggling in the competition this time around was tough," said Thomson.
"Our performances weren't too bad and we played a more open game than we had done previously but maybe we got caught out with that on certain occasions.
"Even so, one of the highlights of your career should always be playing in the Champions League. It's the best club competition in the world.
"Like everything else in football, you always get another opportunity to make your mark and next season we will be in the group stages again.
"It's going to be exciting for us and we are looking forward to trying to put things right and hopefully giving a better account of ourselves.
"It's exciting to be back in there again and it's kind of like a fairytale. We're under no illusions and we know it'll be hard but we'll give it our best.
Asset
"We found ourselves in the so-called 'group of death' with Barcelona, Lyon and Stuttgart three years ago and, while it was hard, it was great to be involved in that.
"Whether we get that sort of draw again, or something kinder this time, we'll certainly relish it."
Rangers could face an uncertain summer, with manager Walter Smith unsure over his future at the club and several players out of contract.
Prospective buyer Andrew Ellis says his interest in Rangers is still ongoing, and Thomson is hoping whoever takes over the club secures the signature of their veteran boss.
"Whenever somebody comes in to buy the club, I hope they sort the manager out first because he is our biggest asset," added Thomson.
"After that, if they can get him tied down, there will be a real buzz at the club and I'd imagine that would entice some of the boys to stick around."
