Smith lauds heroics in Lisbon

Rangers FC manager Walter Smith expressed his delight after second-half goals from Jean-Claude Darcheville and Steven Whittaker earned victory in Lisbon and set up a UEFA Cup semi-final against ACF Fiorentina. Sporting Clube de Portugal counterpart Paulo Bento was rather less enthused after a game which he thought was under control slipped away.

Paulo Bento, Sporting coach 

Walter Smith, Rangers manager
I thought we played very well right from the start. We kept possession better than we have, especially in recent games. So that was a big improvement in our play. I was a bit disappointed in the first half when we had one or two opportunities to play a better pass, but we managed to get through and I'm delighted with the two goals. Obviously the two goals were really good, they were well-worked. Steven Whittaker's was in unbelievable circumstances and he took it well, it was a good finish. I thought Steven Davis was excellent throughout and Jean-Claude did well to finish. Obviously I am a bit disappointed about the bookings [and automatic suspensions for midfielders Barry Ferguson and Kevin Thomson]. At this stage I don't know a great deal about Fiorentina but I'm sure David Moyes [whose Everton FC team lost to the Viola in the Round of 16] will give us a rundown. I haven't had an opportunity to see them yet but someone was there tonight. I'm just delighted to get to the semi-finals regardless of the opposition as it's the first time in a long time we've done it.