Rangers restricted but ready

Friends reunited
Midfield player Fernando Ricksen is set to play against his former club, but Rangers have problems at left-back, with Grégory Vignal, Maurice Ross and Paolo Vanoli all out, so Michael Ball should play providing he overcomes a foot problem.

'Energetic and fit'
Steven Thompson misses out with an ankle injury and Shota Arveladze is doubtful, but Alex Rae returns from suspension for what McLeish believes will be a tough test. "[AZ] beat Feyenoord 4-1 and have won every game recently, so it will be an extremely hard game," said the Rangers manager. "I've been very impressed by them." Rangers' top scorer Nacho Novo trained on his own on Wednesday evening, and may be doubtful.

'Match to match'
In contrast, AZ forward Stein Huysegems is in confident mood, saying: "AZ are moving upwards now, and we go with the flow. I just look at it from match to match." The Dutch outfit, level with Rangers on six points, are missing Finnish international Juha Reini with an achilles injury.

Crucial match
AJ Auxerre currently lie fourth, and will be hoping for three important points against KS Amica Wronki. Defender Younes Kaboul is absent for the French team having undergone an ankle operation on Tuesday, while midfield player Teemu Tainio is doubtful due to tonsillitis.

Skorza consolation
Amica have lost all three games to date and are already eliminated, but coach Maciej Skorza is looking on the bright side ahead of his team's final game, saying: "We are the only Polish club to make it to the group stage."