Wright vows to play the game not the occasion

SCOTT WRIGHT, the Rangers forward, has insisted that the Ibrox side cannot afford to allow themselves to be distracted by just what is at stake against PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday night.

A place in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League awaits for the winner of the play-off tie and would enable Rangers to progress to the top table of European club footbal for the first time since season 2010-11.

The significant cash injection it provides – expectations currently sit at around £40m banked for participation – is momentous and adds to the pressure around the game.

“We have got to play the game and not the occasion,” the former Aberdeen forward said. “They are going to say that as well. It is so important for us to be playing in these competitions, I think.

“We had such a great run but that was last year so that is kind of parked now.

“We don’t want to keep thinking about that, we want to be playing in the Champions League.

“It so important for a club like this to be on that stage. We are going to go in with a game plan and hopefully achieve it over the two legs.”

Wright took a knock in the win over St Johnstone but has no doubts at all about his fitness ahead of Tuesday night. And he has revealed his own frustrations at the way the season came to an end last term just as he had forced his way back into the side.

“I was out of the team last year during the middle of the campaign and managed to get back in and played in big and important games which was fantastic,” he said.

“I didn’t want the season to stop as I felt as though I had a bit of momentum behind me, especially with the goal in the Scottish Cup final which was obviously the last game. It is important that I take my chance when I get it.”