Smith hails heroic Gers

Gers boss emotional after shoot-out success

Last updated: 1st May 2008

walter smith

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Rangers boss Walter Smith hailed his team's achievement after they beat Fiorentina 4-2 on penalties to reach the Uefa Cup final.

The Scottish side kept their cool in the penalty shoot-out after the tie ended goalless after two hard-fought legs.

The win keeps alive Rangers' hopes of completing an unprecedented quadruple and Smith admitted it was one of the best achievements of his career leading the club to the final in Manchester on 14th May.

Fantastic

"This takes a bit of beating - it's an emotional night," Smith told ITV 4.

"We were fantastic tonight in how we worked and prevented Fiorentina from scoring."

It was Rangers's third penalty shoot-out success of the season after they beat St Johnstone to make sure of their place in the Scottish Cup final - and defeated Dundee United in the same manner to win the League Cup.

"It's the third lot of penalties we've had this season and we've managed to win them all - it's a magnificent achievement," added Smith.

"We were hanging on a bit though tonight. Credit Fiorentina, they put us under a great deal of pressure.

"But I can't ask more of the boys - they defended fantastically."

Rangers hero goalkeeper Neil Alexander, who saved from Fabio Liverani in the penalty shoot-out was lost for words after the victory.

Achievement

"I'm lost for words, what an achievement," said Alexander.

"We were under the cosh and defended magnificently, the whole team defended well.

"I said to Barry (captain, Ferguson) 'If I could make one save' and I managed it. Then they put one over the bar."

Nacho Novo, who converted the winning spot-kick, was in shock at the achievement of his side after a gritty display.

"I still can't believe it," admitted Novo.

"It was a good performance by the team and it's so exciting for the fans."