Fixture boost for Rangers

Rangers have been given more time to prepare for their clash with Lyon after their Gretna fixture was postponed.

Gers given extra time to prepare for Lyon clash

Rangers have been given more time to prepare for their UEFA Champions League clash with Lyon after their Gretna fixture was postponed. The SPL giants had been due to play against Gretna at Fir Park this Sunday, just three days before their crucial European clash with French champions Lyon at Ibrox. A draw at home to Lyon will be enough to secure passage to the knock-out stage of Europe's prestigious club competition and Rangers wanted more time to prepare for the game. Rangers already had permission from Gretna to delay the game and now the SPL have agreed meaning Walter Smith's side will be fresh against Lyon. "Rangers Football Club would like to thank Gretna, the SPL and Setanta for their co-operation," a club spokesman told the club's official website. "Gretna were more than happy to accommodate our request when initially contacted last week and we are delighted the SPL has now agreed to postpone Sunday's game at Fir Park. "The decision not only benefits Rangers but Scottish football as a whole and we can now concentrate fully on our crucial Champions League tie with Lyon at Ibrox on December 12." Meanwhile, Rangers reserve striker Steven Lennon has signed a two-year extension to his contract, which ties him to the club until 2010.