Prime Minister gives Rangers his backing ahead of UEFA Cup final

The Prime Minister has led a flood of messages of support for Rangers in their historic quest to win the UEFA Cup.

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Speaking ahead of the showdown with Zenit St Petersburg at the City of Manchester Stadium on Wednesday, Gordon Brown said: "I want to send to Walter Smith and the whole Rangers team my best wishes.

"It has been an incredible achievement only losing two goals in the knock-out phase of the tournament.

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"To get through to the final, beating Fiorentina, and to have a great team that is now ready, with the wishes of the whole country, I hope and I believe that Rangers will be champions."

Scotland's First Minister, Alex Salmond, who will be cheering on the team from the stands at the stadium, wrote to Smith and the players to wish them luck.

He said: "Rangers' success in reaching the final of the UEFA Cup has been fabulous for the club and has enhanced Scotland's reputation in the footballing world.

"Our clubs have performed admirably on the European stage this season, with Celtic reaching the last 16 of the Champions' League, Aberdeen the knock-out phase of the UEFA Cup, and Rangers going all the way to Manchester.

"When you add all that to Scotland's famous victories over France, it's clear that the state of the national game is healthy again."

The First Minister added: "Rangers supporters have conducted themselves commendably throughout their European campaign, providing a further boost for the reputation of Scots fans, and I'm sure they will enjoy the historic occasion of 'The Friendly Final'.

"The City of Manchester Council has been extremely helpful by erecting giant screens in three areas to accommodate the tens of thousands of Rangers supporters.

"It would be a tremendous achievement for a Scottish team to win the UEFA Cup, and I hope Rangers can bring it back to Glasgow and Scotland."