Boss Smith is feeling Euro pressure

Gers eye big money

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NEW BOY: Rangers striker Kenny Miller enjoys a laugh in training as he begins his second spell at the Ibrox club.

PRESSURE: Rangers manager Walter Smith.

RANGERS manager Walter Smith admits the pressure is on to get through their Champions League qualifiers safely.

The Ibrox club were today poised to find out who they face in the second qualifying round as the draw for the first two rounds took place in Nyon.

Last season’s UEFA Cup finalists are seeded, but they will be out of Europe for the rest of the campaign if they fail to see off their first opponents.

And Smith is well aware of what a run in Europe can mean to the Govan club.

“People will look back to last season and remember some big European games, but they may forget the hard part at the end of July and through August to get there,” he said.

“It is a huge incentive to get through, but it can have a massive effect on your season if you do not.

“There is a lot of pressure riding on it.

“We’d hope to reach the Champions League because that is hugely beneficial to the club.

“Our budgets are pretty much set, but reaching the Champions League definitely helps the overall financial strength of the club.

“There is a little bit of a danger of a hangover from last season, considering we only stopped playing a month ago.

“But in another way it might help us that we’ve not had too long a break.

“Everyone at Rangers enjoyed last season’s run in Europe. We know what we have to do to try and have another one.”

Smith has already added strikers Kyle Lafferty, Kenny Miller and Andrius Velicka to his squad, but insists the Ibrox fans can expect some more new faces.

However, the former Scotland boss does not expect midfielder Lee McCulloch – reportedly a target for Stoke City – to leave Ibrox.

He also expects veteran defender David Weir to sign another contract.

“The transfer budget is agreed. We have spent a bit and there’s a bit left to spend so we are not finished yet,” he said.

“But we will not get too many more players, maybe one or two.

“There are two months left of the transfer window, so clubs are not inclined to want to sell at this stage.

“If they wait longer they maybe feel there is more financial pressure for the buying club and the price can rise.

“Stoke haven’t been in touch for Lee and he’s not going to go anywhere.

“As long as he is happy at Rangers, I’m delighted to have him here.

“David’s situation should be sorted soon and I’m expecting him to be with us.”