Hectic schedule hits Rangers

Bid to switch Uefa Cup fixture fails; Cousin update

Last updated: 25th February 2008

Walter Smith

Smith: Hectic schedule

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Rangers have failed with a bid to have their Uefa Cup trip Werder Bremen moved from the Thursday before the CIS Insurance Cup final.

Walter Smith's side must make the trip to Germany as planned on 13th March, leaving them will little recovery time ahead of their clash with Dundee United on the Sunday.

The Ibrox outfit were keen to move the second leg match by 24 hours to the Wednesday, but it will go ahead as originally scheduled.

Despite their busy fixture schedule, Gers boss Smith does not feel his side after suffering from burn-out after seeing them concede two goals to struggling Gretna in their 4-2 SPL victory on Sunday.

Mental approach

He said: "We scored two goals early on and that takes an edge off the game - we have been a team that needs to have a good edge in our game.

"I wouldn't put it down to tiredness. I don't think it's tiredness from the footballers' point of view.

"The mental approach has got to be strong as much as anything else. We had a good start in the game and then took our foot off the pedal a little bit.

"We were a little bit frustrated at different periods of the match and we were a little bit patchy in terms of our possession and use of the ball.

"But, after Thursday night's European tie, which was one we had to play very well in to get through, we were delighted to win."

Cousin

Meanwhile, Fifa are no nearer to resolving Daniel Cousin's proposed switch to Fulham.

The Gabon striker had hoped to complete a move to the Premier League side last month, but the deal was put on hold due to the fact Cousin has already played for two clubs this season, and appearing for a third club would contravene Fifa regulations.

The 31-year-old only briefly appeared for French club Lens at the start of the campaign before joining Rangers, however the £3million move to Fulham remains on hold.

"The matter is still pending," said a Fifa spokesman. "There is no time frame yet."