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Saturday 31st August 2002

Peter doubtful for Pars trip Peter Lovenkrands is rated doubtful for their visit to Dunfermline on Sunday. The Danish international has picked up a knee injury and he joins Lorenzo Amoruso on the sidelines who is still nursing a hamstring strain. Longer-term injuries, Christian Nerlinger (knee) and Neil McCann (thigh) will also miss out. Provisional squad: Arteta, Arveladze, Caniggia, Dodds, Ferguson, Hughes, Klos, Konterman, Latapy, Lovenkrands, Malcolm, McGregor, Mols, Moore, Muscat, Numan, Ricksen, Ross, De Boer. UEFA 1st leg switched Rangers' UEFA Cup clash against Czech outfit Viktoria Zizkov has been brought forward 48 hours and will now take place on Tuesday 17 September. The game, which will be played in the Strahov Stadium in Prague, was due to take place on the following Thursday. However, because Prague's other two teams were also drawn to play at home in their first-leg ties, the game has had to be moved. The clash is due to kick-off at 4pm BST, and it is a game boss Alex McLeish believes his side have a good chance of winning. After the draw was made McLeish said: "They are pretty much down the rankings but that doesn't mean to say the tie will be a formality. On paper we should go through, but we still have to do the job." The game being switched also means that a number of SPL fixtures will also have to be switched. The clashes at Livingston on 15 September and at home to Partick Thistle on 22 September are likely to be switched.

Friday 30th August 2002

Flo joins Sunderland Sunderland have completed a £10m double swoop for Rangers striker Tore Andre Flo and Ipswich forward Marcus Stewart. Norway star Flo - who cost an inital £6.75m - has fallen out of favour at Ibrox following his move from Chelsea, while Stewart returns to the Premiership. The pair have both signed three-year contracts at the Stadium of Light. Peter Reid admits that he is delighted to have captured forward Tore Andre Flo from Rangers. Reid said: "Tore has many qualities that I look for in a striker. He has the ability to create chances, is good in the air and also has excellent finishing skills." Gers draw Czech Euro opponents Rangers have been paired with Czech side Viktoria Zizkov in the first round of the Uefa Cup. The Scottish Cup and CIS League Cup holders were one of 48 seeded sides in the Monaco ballot and will be fancied to make progress against a club which entered the tourney after hammering SP Domagnano 5-0 at the qualifying stage. The first leg is away on September 19 and the return on October 3. Zizkov finished joint second with Sparta Prague behind Slovan Liberec and beat SP Domagnano to qualify for the first round proper. They are currently fifth in the Czech First Division after four games and appointed new manager Vitezslav La Vicka in May this year to take over from Zdenek Scasny. The club have made three previous appearances in Europe and were knocked out by Chelsea 1994/95.

Wednesday 28th August 2002

Amo back for Europe Lorenzo Amoruso has vowed to hand Rangers an European boost by returning to full fitness in time for the start of their Uefa Cup campaign. The Italian defender returned to his hometown of Florence to receive treatment last week after suffered a hamstring tear in training - an injury that he was told would rule him out of action for four weeks. But Amoruso is delighted with the way his rehabilitation is going and has assured manager Alex McLeish that he will be ready for the Light Blues' assault on Europe which begins on September 19. He said: "I'm really disappointed to have suffered this injury so early in the season. There was no indication that I had a problem and I just hope that I can get back as quickly as possible. I will work with a good friend of mine in Italy who is an excellent physiotherapist and I believe I'm going to be ready for the start of the European campaign. I'm a terrible spectator. I hate sitting in the stands watching the games when I know I should be playing so it's better for me to go back to Italy and work on my recovery. I have been told that I should be fully fit for the European match and that is a real priority for me. We did well last season and we would like to do even better this year." But Amoruso believes the club have an excellent deputy for him while he recuperates. Robert Malcolm came into the side to replace the Italian in the 2-0 win over Aberdeen. Amoruso added: "Bob is a good young player and I'm sure he will cope with the demands placed on him."

Friday 23rd August 2002

Amo out with hamstring injury Lorenzo Amoruso has a hamstring strain and will miss Sunday's game against Aberdeen The Italian has picked up a hamstring strain and will be replaced by Bob Malcolm on Sunday - and McLeish admits it could be a couple of weeks before Amoruso is back in action. Manager Alex McLeish said: "He's nicked a hamstring so he's going to miss Sunday's game so we'll see how long that's going to take. You can never tell with a hamstring. He'll receive treatment around the clock and we'll try to get him back but but we won't rush the player until he's fully fit. It's difficult to tell how long he'll be out - he'll miss this week and it's likely he'll miss next week. Then there is an international and we hope that will give us some respite in terms of getting him back." Malcolm was given his chance in the Rangers first-team towards the end of last season and McLeish insists he has no qualms about playing the youngster against Aberdeen. He added: "I'm going to bring Bob Malcolm into the team. He came in and had an excellent couple of months at the end of last season. He deserves the call-up - he showed that he can handle it in central defence. I've got no fears about Bob being in there. He knows the standards that he's set and what my expectations are of him."

Monday 19th August 2002

Flo undecided over move Tore Andre Flo is still undecided about his immediate future. The Ibrox club have been in discussions with Sunderland over a possible move for the Norwegian hitman, who cost Rangers £12million when he joined from Chelsea. Rangers manager Alex McLeish, who saw his side win 4-2 at Hibernian, maintains the deal to take Flo to Wearside is still on. But Flo admits he has still not made up his own mind about any possible move. Flo told BBC Scotland: "I don't know what's happening myself. I am just concentrating on playing football at the moment. The clubs are talking, I haven't made up my mind. I like it a lot at Rangers."

Saturday 17th August 2002

McLeish not desperate for strikers to go - source Alex McLeish has declared he would be pleased if strikers Tore Andre Flo and Michael Mols opted to remain at the club. Both have been offered to Sunderland, albeit for differing reasons, although neither deal was able to be completed on the eve of the new Premiership season. Rangers' reasons for parting with the players appear to be grounded in both footballing and financial motives therefore, although the chances of Flo leaving seemed remote. For while Mols would contemplate moving to a club that struggled badly last season and possesses the manager the bookies reckon is likely to be sacked first, there is little pressing reason for Flo to do so, especially as his family are understood to prefer staying in Glasgow to uprooting to the north east of England. Flo did not train on Friday, although he and Mols were back at Rangers' Murray Park training complex. Flo was said to be suffering from a hip injury but was still in the squad to take on McLeish's old club Hibernian at Easter Road on Sunday. Mols was left out altogether. McLeish had long been told he must sell before he can bring in new players but nonetheless insisted he would be happy if the players, and Flo in particular, remained available to him. He said: "I've told Tore that if he's still here when we play Hibs and is a Rangers player I would be delighted with that. I'm not in a hurry to get anyone out of the door. But he knows the way the game is and is being professional. The whole scenario must be a bit unsettling for him but he has handled it well. We have to sell before we get new faces. He knows the situation at Rangers just now." Flo has not been an automatic choice under McLeish and has been left on the bench for many of the more important games, including Old Firm derbies. But McLeish insisted his record at the club was not one of a flop. He said: "He's scored plenty of goals. I think the biggest criticism levelled at Tore is that he has not scored enough against Celtic or in Europe.Whether that is bad luck I don't know because he has scored against all the other big teams in Europe and at World Cup level. He has proved he can do it. I've been watching the Premiership programmes of bygone years and every time I have turned it on Flo is scoring goals in big games. Maybe the system hasn't suited him. We played three up last season and two up in the last two games - and I've seen a big change in Flo." McLeish added of Mols: "He set exceptional standard when he first came to the club. But I do think it would benefit his career to get a new start."

Friday 16th August 2002

McLeish on transfer talk insisted today Tore Andre Flo could still join Sunderland for £6.5m. Reports suggested the striker's wife, Randii, did not want to live in the North East of England. And on Wearside, it was thought some Sunderland board members were reluctant to sanction the move for the 29-year-old Norwegian. But, according to the Rangers boss, Flo could still be on his way. McLeish said: "I'm not ruling anything in and I''m not ruling anything out. I have not been told that the deal to take Tore to Sunderland is dead. That said, I'm preparing for the game with Hibs as normal, and I expect Tore to be professional about the whole thing because he knows the way things are in football." Flo was not at Murray Park today for training, but Michael Mols took part after ending his three-day training stint with Sunderland. The Dutch striker is expected to head back south on Monday to complete a near £1m transfer to Wearside. Sunderland boss Peter Reid would not comment on Flo or Mols today, but sources at the club say he was impressed by the 31-year-old Mols. The Dutchman's agent, Rob Jansen, said: "The clubs are due to talk again. Michael is interested in moving and starting a new career in England."

Tuesday 13th August 2002

Mols talking to Sunderland Michael Mols has been given permission to discuss a move to Premiership Sunderland. Mols has been overlooked by manager Alex McLeish for Rangers' opening two matches of the new Scottish Premier League campaign. Mols will now visit the Stadium of Light this week with a view to teaming up with Peter Reid. An Ibrox spokesman said: "Michael is visiting Sunderland to see the club and have talks with Peter Reid for the next couple of days." Mols joined Rangers for £4million from Utrecht in 1999 but suffered a long lay-off after two operations to repair a cruciate ligament injury.The 31-year-old made 24 appearances for the club last season but has now slipped down the pecking order.

Sunday 11th August 2002

Under-19s win Festival Cup Rangers Under-19 team have won The Festival Cup in Adelaide, Australia. Rangers beat an Australian Select 4-3 on penalties after the game had finished 2-2. The tournament featured 8 teams from around the world including Juventus, Bayern Munchen, Ajax, Newcastle Utd and Vaco da Gama. Ross signs new deal Maurice Ross has signed a new four-year contract with the club. The Scotland defender, who is expected to be named in Berti Vogts' squad for the friendly against Denmark, had been in negotiations for nine months over a new deal. Ibrox gaffer Alex McLeish is delighted Ross has pledged his long-term future to the club, worth £1million over four years, as there was interest from several English clubs. The player's agent John Viola said: "Mo always wanted to stay at Rangers and is pleased it has been sorted." Shota on Flo Shota Arveladze reckons his under-fire partner Tore Andre Flo is destined to silence his critics. At £12million, the Norway international is the most expensive player in Scottish football history and, with the game in economic recession, is likely to retain that double-edged distinction for years to come. So far he has netted 38 times in 70 games since his move from Chelsea in November 2000. But his critics argue that he has struggled to make an impact in Old Firm derbies and in Europe and he is still looking for his first strike of the current season. He was denied by an upright in Saturday's 3-0 victory over Dundee but did set up Arveladze for the crucial second goal. The Georgian said: "It was a great touch from Tore. His timing was good, he played well and it was a nice goal. Tore will do well over a long season. I thought he was perfect today, he was very sharp. All strikers are desperate to score but the most important thing is to play well. When the team goes on to win he will play his part, for sure. He was unlucky against Dundee. I have played with him for almost a year, so I know how strong he is. He scored a lot of goals last year. This season is just beginning and he has done well." Manager Alex McLeish has not been slow in leaving Flo on the bench in recent months but on this occasion pronounced himself pleased with the former Chelsea man's contribution. He said: "I thought his work-rate was great. He is reacting to the second striker, which maybe he wasn't in earlier games. I can see signs of top confidence coming back. He was unlucky not to score a couple and he set up the Arveladze goal, the killer goal for us."

Saturday 10th August 2002

Fergie returns against Dundee Barry Ferguson - rested for Wednesday night's friendly against Leeds - will play against Dundee. But Christian Nerlinger is still carrying a knee injury and Neil McCann is sidelined with a thigh strain. McLeish expects to see a more organised Dundee side now Jim Duffy has taken over as manager. He said: "Dundee have done well against the Old Firm in recent years both at Ibrox and Celtic Park. But were not about to allow anything stupid to happen tomorrow. We want to get our season under way with three points and a good performance. Jim is certainly a quality coach - he has worked with Chelsea's young kids and the Chelsea first team guys liked him as well. He will have them organised - I'm not saying that the last manager didn't have them organised - and it will be a very difficult game. But, if we play well and to our capabilities then I won't be worrying about the opposition." Defender Michael Ball looks no nearer to a return, although McLeish insists he is not panicking after the former Everton man's second knee operation. McLeish is confident Ball can make his return this season - and has promised to consider the defender for selection as soon as he proves his fitness. He said: "The operation is part of his recovery. There has been words like 'setback' used but that couldn't be further from the truth. Going back to see Dr Steadman was always part of the plan - if you have any operation you always go back to see the specialist who treated you. When he is fit, he's in my plans. I don't know when that will be and I can't give you an exact date."

Friday 9th August 2002

Dons game moved again The game at Ibrox against Aberdeen has been rearranged once again. The match will now take place on the original date of Sunday 25th August, rather the day before

Tuesday 6th August 2002

Numan retires from National team Arthur Numan has retired from international football after a decade playing for the Netherlands. Numan, 32, told Dutch coach Dick Advocaat he wanted to concentrate on playing club soccer after an international career including the World Cups of 1994 and 1998 and the European Championships in 1996 and 2000. A spokesman for the Dutch soccer association (KNVB) said: "Numan is no longer available for the Dutch XI. The Rangers player told national coach Dick Advocaat personally. Numan wants to pursue his club's interests." After making his international debut in 1992, Numan played 45 times for his country. Manager Alex McLeish believes Arthur Numan's decision to retire from international duty will benefit the Ibrox side. McLeish believes the decision can only help Rangers in their quest to wrest the league title from Celtic this season. McLeish said: "I believe it is a bonus for Rangers. Arthur has had a great international career and it must be difficult to know when to call it a day. I'm sure that Arthur could still have played for Holland because they do not have an embarrassment of riches in that position." McLeish revealed Advocaat was supportive of Numan's decision and believes the Dutch boss will already have replacements in mind to fill the left-back role. He added: He has been behind Arthur's decision and there is an opportunity there for other players. I hope it's not to the detriment of Holland but Dick must have others in mind." Flo and Bert will fight for their places Tore Andre Flo insists he is determined to fight for his place at Rangers - despite attracting interest from other clubs during the summer. The striker was forced to settle for a place on the bench on Saturday as Rangers kicked off their league campaign against Kilmarnock.He said: "It's always disappointing when I don't start but I have been part of this for a while and that is how football goes. If I don't start games then I know I have to fight harder in training and that's what I will do. There are some clubs interested but there hasn't been an offer and, with no offer, there is nothing to think about. It has to be a bit of both - a decision by the club and the player. I'm very happy here. If it happens that I'm on the bench all the time, then I'll think about that when it happens." Flo admits the thought of leaving Rangers and starting afresh elsewhere has crossed his mind. But the Norwegian's family have settled well in Scotland and he is insists that factor wil play a big part in his decision should he ever opt to leave Ibrox. He said: "Sometimes you think about it (leaving) but I have a big family now and they like it here so I have to think of them too. The best thing is to play here, win matches and hopefully win the league as well. Things can change very quickly. One week you can be totally out of things and the next week you could score a goal and be the hero. If you're aware that that can happen, there is a bigger chance of it happening." Bert Konterman has vowed to win back his place in the Ibrox team and finish his career as a Gers player. The 31-year-old has found himself surplus to requirements recently with boss Alex McLeish favouring Craig Moore and Lorenzo Amoruso at the heart of his defence. But the amiable Dutchman has refused to sulk and said: "I've still got two years left on my contract and if the club still wants me then I'll sign for another year. I love life in Scotland and I enjoy staying here. But I won't be sitting on a bench with a smile on my face. However I realise that being substitute is part of life because a club needs more than 11 players in a season because of injuries. A good example is Tony Vidmar, who was a fringe player last season but ended up playing around 25 games." Konterman now finds himself in the same position as striker Tore Andre Flo, who is also struggling to claim a first team place. The Norwegian, despite admitting that other clubs have made inquiries for him, has also pledged to fight for a regular spot and Konterman said: "Strikers are always in demand and Flo is a big name all over Europe. He wants to stay and that will help make the squad stronger. To have players like him not even making the first team makes people think that Rangers have a strong squad which can only be good for the club."

Sunday 4th August 2002

North Atlantic Cup planned Plans have been drawn up about the formation of a North Atlantic Cup, featuring teams from Scotland, Holland, Belgium and Scandinavia. SPL chairman Lex Gold revealed that they had already sent out information to clubs, and were waiting for responses. Gold said: "We are looking at the possibility - together with the Dutch, the Belgians and the Danes - of having a North Atlantic League Cup. That would start in January. We should remember it is all about football and the spectators and loving the game. That could start this season. We sent details of this to all the clubs on Friday and we are looking for their comments to try and take this forward. This is a cup competition along the lines we have talked about before. While we are looking at administrative and technical matters, we should continue to try and develop the game." Gold insists that the league would not just include the Old Firm of Rangers and Celtic. He added: "The top four clubs at the end of December will qualify to go into it. If any clubs are left in Europe, we will go down to the fifth team. It would start with a league system and then go to knockout semi-final. My job is to look after the interests of all the clubs in our league. It would be seen as something worthwhile for the other clubs in the league as well." UEFA have refused to be drawn over the proposed Atlantic League, insisting they will await approval by the national associations involved. The renewed proposal for a winter cup competition involving teams from Scotland, Denmark, Holland and Belgium was revealed by SPL chairman Lex Gold on Saturday is now being considered by Scotland's top-flight clubs. The idea has been met with caution by UEFA, with a spokesman revealing European football's governing body will not enter into discussions over the league until they reach an advanced stage. He told the BBC: "We would have to see more clearly what is involved in this proposed competition. Like the discussion over Scottish clubs joining the English Premiership, there are so many things which need to be sorted out and approvals given by national associations and different leagues. We cannot say anything until they have got to that stage."

Saturday 3rd August 2002

Lovenkrands for life? Peter Lovenkrands has declared he wouldn't mind spending the rest of his career at Ibrox - and doesn't care what he gets paid so long as he gets a game. It's a remarkable statement coming from a 22-year-old who is just back from World Cup duty and, according to his agent, is attracting strong interest from some of Europe's top clubs. But the Dane is clearly on a high right now, having become a hero to the blue half of Glasgow thanks to a procession of goals against Celtic and established himself as a member, if not yet a fixture, in his country's national squad. A more realistic contract extension in the near future would be another two years added on to the two that have already to run their course. But Lovenkrands appeared genuine in his love of life at Ibrox as he said: "My agent calls me up and tells me what's going on and who has contacted him. Of course it is interesting to hear who the clubs are and some of them are quite big, but right now I am just looking to the new season with Rangers and try to win the championship with them. A lot of people think the money will be better in Italy but nobody knows how much I earn anyway. There is no real reason for me to go and start all over again at a new club. I'm having a great life off the pitch as well as on it. I don't care how much I get paid as long as I can play for Rangers. For me right now I could easily say I want to stay here for the rest of my career if everything goes as well as it is now."

Friday 2nd August 2002

Team News Alex McLeish has a full squad to chose from for the trip to Kilmarnock. German midfielder Christian Nerlinger is unlikely to take part as he is lacking in match fitness. Nerlinger also picked up a knock during Tuesday night's 2-0 friendly win at Linfield. Squad: Amoruso, Arteta, Arveladze, Ball, Caniggia, Dodds, Ferguson, Flo, Hughes, Klos, Konterman, Latapy, Lovenkrands, Malcolm, McGregor, Mols, Moore, Muscat, McCann, Nerlinger, Numan, Ricksen, Ross, De Boer.