Davis sets down the mark

Rangers v Unirea Urziceni

STEVEN DAVIS believes Rangers must take at least four points from their double-header with Unirea Urziceni to have any hope of progressing to the knock-out stages of the competition.

Rangers play host to the Romanian champions tonight in the first of what will be back-to-back meetings between the clubs, with Walter Smith’s men going to Bucharest early next month.

“We need four minimum if we are looking to progress,” said the Northern Ireland midfielder when asked about the two clashes. “The home games are vitally important in this competition. And, if you are going to progress, you need to pick up results on the road as well.

“There is a lot more to come from us this season. We haven’t been playing to the best of our ability. The European games are ones the boys have been up for and looking forward to and we have played some of our best football of the season so far in this competition. We want to try to stay in this competition for as long as possible and get as many games under our belt as possible.”

A boost for Rangers is the news Madjid Bougherra is back in the squad after missing the weekend win at St Johnstone after returning late from international duty with Algeria.

“Madjid has been a big player for us this season and has put in a couple of good performances in the Champions League so far and he looks forward to the games,” said Davis. “We are delighted to have him back.”

Pedro Mendes has been passed fit for the game. The midfielder missed the St Johnstone tie with a thigh strain, but he came through training yesterday and is available.