Rangers manager Walter Smith hailed his team's achievement after they booked their place in the UEFA Cup final on May 14.The Light Blues won a penalty shoot-out 4-2 to defeat Fiorentina after the teams finished scoreless after two legs.

It means Smith's side keep alive their hopes of a quadruple, setting up a Manchester clash against Zenit St Petersburg.

Smith told ITV4: "This takes a bit of beating - it's an emotional night.

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

Rangers won a penalty shoot-out to beat St Johnstone and make sure of their place in the Scottish Cup final - and defeated Dundee United in the same manner to win the League Cup.

Smith continued: "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.

"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."

Goalkeeper Neil Alexander, who saved from Fabio Liverani in the penalty shoot-out, said: "I'm lost for words, what an achievement.

"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 spot-kick which made sure of Rangers' place in the final, added: "I still can't believe it.

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

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