Rangers v Olympique Lyon:Barry Ferguson has perfect justification to look back two years, rather than merely four weeks, for a source of pre-match inspiration as Rangers prepare to host Lyon tonight. The midfielder, captain of both the Ibrox side and Scotland, suffered along with the rest of the national team last month as Italy ended hopes of a fairytale qualification for Euro 2008 in cruel fashion.

Rangers now stand on the verge of what would be a similarly epic achievement. Avoiding defeat against the French champions would ensure progress to the last 16 at Lyon's expense, from a group that also includes Barcelona and Stuttgart.

An identical situation unfolded in 2005, when Rangers needed and duly secured a draw from their final group match, against Internazionale, to qualify for the knockout phase for the first time.

"Scotland was a big disappointment because we were desperate to get through," said Ferguson. "The national team were so near. I wouldn't want the same situation tomorrow night but I'm confident we'll get the win."

The absence of DaMarcus Beasley, Nacho Novo and Jean-Claude Darcheville has somewhat blunted Rangers' attacking options. Daniel Cousin will take Darcheville's place in attack.