Rangers legend Ally McCoist insists Walter Smith's team are ready to carry the UEFA Cup trophy back to Glasgow.Former striker McCoist, who is Smith's assistant manager, is praying for the best possible outcome from Wednesday's final against Zenit St Petersburg at the City of Manchester Stadium.

Rangers have already played 18 matches in Europe this season and McCoist believes the highlight is still to come.

"Everyone I've been speaking to is coming down and looking forward to it," said McCoist.

"It's going to be a wonderful, wonderful occasion, and I just really pray we can bring the cup home for them.

"It'd be great just to win it."

Rangers have drawn criticism, mostly from opponents, for the defensive tactics which have helped them reach the final.

McCoist told Rangers World: "I don't let things like that bother me - people saying they dont like our style of play, all that stuff. I find it quite amusing.

"Just to take the cup back would be wonderful.

"That's why we're here, that's why we've been on this wonderful journey, and there's no use coming on this journey if we don't have a nice happy ending and we want a happy ending."

Rangers were continuing their preparation this morning for the final, and will train this evening at the venue for the final.

Midfielder Kevin Thomson is a doubt for the match after a foot injury flared up, however Rangers have alternatives in that department, with the likes of Lee McCulloch, Charlie Adam and Brahim Hemdani ready to step in.

McCoist has seen expectation levels among the squad soar, and said: "I've no doubt they'll be ready for kick-off but the excitement is certainly beginning to mount already."

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