Ricksen fears fans will play part

ZENIT St Petersburg defender Fernando Ricksen believes the Rangers fans could make all the difference when the two teams meet in the Uefa Cup final.

While the Russians are not expected to bring many supporters to Manchester for tomorrow's clash, tens of thousands of Scots have started arriving in the city for Rangers' first European final in 36 years.

Ricksen – who spent six years at Ibrox before being dispatched to Zenit in 2006 by Paul Le Guen – is relishing the prospect of renewing acquaintances with his former club's fans. "I'm very respectful of the (Rangers] fans," he said. "It's too bad I'm not playing on that side because I know how much of an influence they can be. I will be happy to see them again.