Rangers could complete Scotland’s European treble

By: Ian Rose | May 13th, 2008

Tomorrow in Manchester, more than a trophy is on the line, more than just the UEFA Cup, and the hope for Rangers of completing the legendary quad of SPL, Scottish Cup, League cup, and UEFA Cup. There is also the chance to put Scotland in the record books as only the seventh nation ever to win all three of the major European trophies … one of which no longer exists.

In 1972, and again in 1983, SPL sides raised the old Cup Winners’ Cup. I know I’ve said this before, and maybe I should just let it go and move on, but I really miss this competition. I’d trade the Intertoto Cup to have it back in a second, but it looks like only half of that wish is coming true. And of course, in 1967, Celtic made what still remains one of the great runs in European football, beating Inter Milan to become the first British team to lift the European Cup, as well as the only side (still true today) to do it with a team made up completely of domestic players.

But a Scottish side has never lifted the UEFA Cup, the second greatest club prize in Europe. Celtic got close, so close, in 2003, as they took Jose Mourinho’s Porto to extra time in the final. Now, bitter rivals Rangers have a chance to go one better, and complete the European Cup - Cup Winners Cup - UEFA Cup trifecta that only Italy, Spain, England, Holland, Germany and Portugal have managed before.

Good luck to Rangers. You’re out there representing Scotland tomorrow, so try to show a little more attacking spirit than in recent European matches. And just as importantly, bring home that cup. Scotland deserves to be on that list.