Hibernian manager Mixu Paatelainen believes Rangers have done Scottish football proud by reaching the UEFA Cup final.Walter Smith's side took Fiorentina to penalties on Thursday before sealing their passage through to the final in Manchester where they will face Dick Advocaat's Zenit St Petersburg.

Hibernian host Rangers on Sunday and hope to take something from the game to keep their own UEFA Cup qualifying hopes alive.

Despite being involved in a touchline bust-up with Smith during the Scottish Cup defeat to Rangers at Ibrox last month, Paatelainen feels Rangers deserve the plaudits for flying the flag for Scottish football in Europe.

He said: "It was a fantastic result, good for Scottish football and good for Rangers. Now we wish them all the best for the final.

"They have been criticised for being too defensive but whatever decision a manager makes there will always be people who criticise him.

"They have been hugely successful this season and that tells me he has been right."

Paatelainen hopes his team can do what the cream of Europe has failed to achieve this season, score against Rangers.

Fiorentina, Lyon, Barcelona, Panathinaikos, Werder Bremen and Sporting Lisbon all share the frustration in not being able to break down Rangers in European competition.

Paatelainen added: "They have very strong players at the back and they are well organised.

"It will be difficult to score against them but we have quality in our ranks and hopefully we can have a little bit of luck and score one or two.

"I felt we were unlucky not to score against them here in the cup, I thought we had a couple of good opportunities.

"But again all credit to them, they kept a clean sheet and forced the replay."

Paatelainen has been particularly impressed by David Weir, who is set to play in the UEFA Cup final at the age of 38.

He added: "He certainly looks after himself and he is a fantastic player.

"He might not be the quickest of players but he has never been and it is hard to lose what you have never had.

"He's a fantastic defender. His reading of the game is fantastic and that is why he has had a great career and done well for his country and the clubs he has played for."

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