Rangers legend John Greig is hoping that Barry Ferguson not only gets to lift the Uefa Cup tonight but is given the chance to take a bow in front of the Ibrox support.

Manchester is expected to be hit by around 100,000 Rangers fans today as supporters pour south hoping to see Walter Smith's side celebrate another historic triumph.

Greig captained Rangers to success 36 years ago in Spain when the Ibrox side beat Moscow Dynamo to clinch the Cup-Winners' Cup, but instead of parading the trophy to the fans, he was handed the cup with little razzmatazz.

"It was disappointing that the fans didn't get to see the cup being presented," he said. "It was chaos after the game.

"All the Uefa officials were gathered in a wee room. The trophy was on the table and one guy just handed it to me and more or less said on yer bike, get out of here as quick as you can.' "Willie Waddell and I had walked along these corridors, got the cup and walked straight back out again. It was like going to pick up your dole money.

"So it would be great if the Rangers fans could get to see Barry lift the cup."

The parallels between 1972 and this season have been there for all to see and Greig is hoping the omens are good.

"The similarities are many," he said. "We played a German, French, Portuguese and Italian side en route to the Final where we then played a Russian side and the same thing is happening again.

"Of course, the other aspect is that Dick Advocaat is the manager of Zenit and he is still a good friend of mine.

"I really enjoyed working with him when he was at Ibrox. He was the ultimate professional when he was here and it doesn't surprise me that he has guided Zenit to a final.

"He is an excellent manager and he will be meticulous in his preparation."