By Desmond Kane
GLASGOW, Sept 15 - Rangers manager Alex McLeish
says failing to beat VfB Stuttgart in Tuesday's Champions League
opener would not unduly harm the Scottish champions' bid to
qualify for the last 16.
English champions Manchester United are favourites to win
Group E but McLeish feels the Glasgow side, Stuttgart and
Panathinaikos of Greece, the fourth club in contention, are
evenly matched in the hunt for second place.
"If we lose or draw the game, it doesn't mean you won't
progress," McLeish told reporters on Monday.
"It would be a setback, but it's a section and we would have
to see how it works out over all the games.
"I think every team outside of Manchester United will feel
they have a chance to finish second and there's no reason why we
can't qualify if we play to our best and have a bit of luck.
"We'll be trying to win, but I don't think anybody should be
too disappointed if we don't get three points tomorrow."
Rangers' last home defeat to a German side was a 3-1 loss
to Bayern Munich in 1990 and they have lost only twice in 20
matches against Bundesliga opposition at Ibrox.
They also know Glasgow rivals Celtic beat Stuttgart 3-1 at
home during their run to last season's UEFA Cup final.
But former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Christian Nerlinger
says Rangers can't focus too much on that result.
"Stuttgart lost a key player in Marcelo Jose Bordon after 20
minutes to a red card," he said.
"He is a key player and the whole Celtic game changed after
that."
Stuggart travel to Scotland with confidence and have yet to
concede a goal after five league matches of their domestic
season.
"European football is all about learning and Manchester
United had to win three premier league titles before making an
impression on the European Cup," added McLeish, whose side are
making their first Champions League appearance in three years.
"Stuttgart have a young team and young confident players,
but we would like to score against them and end such an
impressive record."