MANCHESTER is gearing up for a red, white and blue invasion as the countdown to the "Friendly Final" on Wednesday night begins.

Work to erect giant outdoor screens and create fanzones, in the heart of the city, is now under way.

Rangers and Zenit St Petersburg fans will gather at Piccadilly Gardens and Exchange Square during the build-up to kick-off.

The fanzones will be open throughout the day and feature live music, street theatre, Carlsberg bars and food and drink outlets.

Huge screens displaying Uefa Cup highlights will welcome fans arriving for the party and a team of "ambassadors" will guide tens of thousands of Scots and Russians around Manchester.

Rangers fans dreaming of Barry Ferguson lifting the Uefa Cup can see the trophy up close at Manchester Town Hall where it will be on display until 5pm tomorrow.

Jim Templeton, president of the Rangers Supporters Assembly, said: "This is a momentous time for the club and the thousands of fans wanting to go to Manchester.

"We'll be going with the ambition of supporting the team and having the greatest party ever.

"We want to make it Magic Manchester and show the world how wonderful the Rangers fans are."

Councillor Pat Karney, Manchester City Council's spokesman for the final, said: "Our city is well used to friendly invasions and accommodating many thousands of visitors for major events like the UEFA Cup final.

"I'm confident Manchester will give a very warm welcome to fans from Rangers and from Zenit and that all fans will have a fabulous day. We're advising everyone who lives and works in the city to enjoy the atmosphere.

"But it's vital they make sure they allow extra time for important journeys."

Chief Supt Gerry Donnellan, match commander, said: "Rangers' play on the pitch and the behaviour of the fans off the pitch have represented the very best in football over the past number of months.

"I'm sure this week's events will be no exception."

Details on parking zones were expected to be released later today.

There will be strictly enforced restrictions, especially around the City of Manchester Stadium, which has residents-only zones.

Road closures are planned for streets around Exchange Square on Wednesday, taking in parts of Princess Street and Mount Street.

But fans are advised to take public transport when travelling around the city and when going to and from the stadium. There are good bus, train and tram services.

There is also a Metrolink tram stop at Old Trafford, with frequent services to and from the city centre.

Buses carrying fans without tickets will be able to use a special coach park near Lancashire County Cricket Club at Old Trafford - which will be signposted from motorway approaches to the city.

A shuttle coach service will also operate after the match to carry fans back to the coach park.

Updated details on transport arrangements can be found at MANCHESTER CITY COUNIL But one of the most important aspects of the operation has been toilet arrangements and the authorities have ordered 300 extra portable loos for the city centre alone.