Rangers ARE European Class - Honest!

It hasn't gone unnoticed on the continent just how effective Rangers are playing away from home. A couple of Porto fans admitted to me that they were terrified of the calibre "Martin O'Neill"-like qualities in the side.

One can only assume they are referring to the employment of some big guys in the team who know how to throw their weight about and put the boot in, because it couldn't have been a reference to MON's team spirit, motivational abilities, tactical awareness, or just downright fairness.

So to this individual, it comes as no surprise to see Rangers chasing second place where their place amongst Europe's Elite awaits them. In all intents and purposes, Rangers are a European class side who deserve their place amongst the top teams in Europe, especially when you consider the big names who were missing, such as Klos, Prso, et al.

The results don't lie. It's not by fluke that Gers are up there. Taking 4 points from 6 away from Porto shows they deserve their placing of second. They would have sewn it up weeks ago but for the annoying side show of Artmedia Bratislava.

So, the fact they are good enough to go forward in Europe shouldn't be overlooked when compared to their domestic record. They have hit a sticky patch which has seen them slip to the shoulder of Hibernian, but it shouldn't be forgotten that the SPL in probably the most competitive league in Europe. It's certainly better than the one-horse race called the EPL.

Hopefully this result will causes the unacceptable demands for Big Eck's head to subside. McLeash has never let Rangers down and that is proven by the overflowing trophy room at Ibrox. A couple of unlucky results by a Celtic side in overdrive who got all the luck versus they who got no luck shouldn't be overlooked.

Big Eck is the class of Rangers manager who can help Rangers keep Scotland's reputation in Europe, created by MON's Celtic, flying high. Strachan's pathetic failure to get us beyond the 2nd round qualifier essentially shot our co-efficient to squat. Now that Gers have been triumphant this season has not gone unnoticed for said co-efficient, so a run for them will set up the Good Guys for next season's Champions League.

Speaking of Celtic, all this talk of Roy Keane signing for the sacred Hoops is all pie in the sky. Why would we want to accomodate an injury-prone hothead whose better days are behind him? At his peak, Keane was world class and second to none. He is a born winner of the calibre of Roy Aitken but his objectivity is his failing.

Signing him could throw the team off-balance as he'd be looking for a sizeable wage at a time we're meant to be struggling to build our new first team facility at Lennoxtown.

And, anyway, why would we want Keano when we have another born winner in Neil Lennon? Lennon is the guy everybody loves to hate and getting somebody else in who the opposition can hate even more will show them up for the bigots they really are.

Just ask Craig Bellamy.

Strachan Should Fear Rangers

It's come as no surprise to this observer that when Gordon Strachan is up against the gauntlet he has consistently failed to deliver.

His wins in key games looks like a grave yard that even Big Eck doesn't have to deal with. In three attempts against Bratislava away, Rangers away, and Hertz at home, his record is Played Three, Won ZERO.

Statistics don't lie but those arguing with them do. Rangers have a record in big games under McLeash which is Ecks-ceptional. Even Legendary Celtic manager Martin O'Neill couldn't match the Rangers manager's rub of the green.

So when the view before Rangers fans looks like a wasteland they would do well to remember how much they owe Big Eck. He is the one who broke MON's dominance of Scottish Football, against a backdrop of Celtic being one of Europe's top clubs.

He might have had a tough call this season but, as the hacks have mentioned on many occasions, he does have the best team in Scotland. Even the neysayers at Ibrox on Saturday will be aware of this, despite the goading by sheep fans who pointed out that Rangers played for a draw against them.

That all doesn't matter when it comes to an Old Firm game. These are the must win games Strachan has to come out on top but his dissmal record doesn't suggest anything to be cheerful about.

With the news that the player Rangers most fear, Chris Sutton, being injured Rangers have the upper hand. They come to Paradise with expectations of nothing and know that a win will put the pressure all on Celtic. Rangers have nothing to lose and really won't.

What will occur is that Prso will get a lucky goal and leave Celtic as mugs again. Strachan won't learn a lesson this time, just as Rangers fans never learn. Big Eck is here to stay and he's the best you can hope for.

All this fanciful wishing for a tim like George Burley to come should be eradicated from the thoughts of Rangers fans, as your season is about to start today.

Your future is Big Eck. Get over it.