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By Justin Palmer
MANCHESTER, May 13 (Reuters) - Rangers manager Walter Smith made opponents Zenit St Petersburg favourites to lift the UEFA Cup in Wednesday's final after the Russian side's demolition of Bayern Munich in the last four.
Smith said Zenit's 4-0 win over the competition favourites in the second leg of their semi-final was "exceptional".
Russian champions Zenit are in their first European final while the Glasgow side's only European triumph came in 1972 when they beat Dynamo Moscow to win the Cup Winners' Cup, having lost twice previously in the final of the now defunct competition.
"Their 1-1 draw in Munich was terrific, the 4-0 win at home was exceptional and was probably one of the best results in European competition this season," Smith told a news conference at the City of Manchester stadium on Tuesday.
"That is the measure of Zenit and how highly I regard them. For Zenit to beat them (Bayern) in that manner makes them favourites... it will be a very tough night for us."
Rangers have barely had time to draw breath in a hectic season that could yet yield a remarkable four trophies.
Already Scottish League Cup winners, Rangers have their Scottish title destiny in their own hands.
They trail arch-rivals Celtic by four points but will be crowned champions if they win their remaining three games.
Their season will then end with a Scottish Cup final appearance against Queen of the South on May 24.
NICE SURPRISE
"A European final was one we didn't think we would be getting to, it's a nice surprise," added Smith.
"Obviously, we'd have liked a weekend off to catch breath but the gap between playing on Saturday and tomorrow night (Wednesday) is the biggest we've had for quite a period of time."
Rangers' European campaign began back on July 31 in the Champions League second qualifying round and they have played 18 times en route to Wednesday's final - 10 games in the Champions League and eight since parachuting into the UEFA Cup.
Rangers have found goals hard to come by, scoring just five times in their eight games to reach the Manchester final, but they boast a watertight defence having conceded just twice.
Smith said they would have to be less cautious against Zenit, who will be without suspended striker Pavel Pogrebnyak.
"We've defended very well in a lot of games, especially away from home, but in a final you have to go and win the game.
"Maybe we will approach the game slightly differently from how we have approached the majority of away matches this season," he added.
Rangers have worries over the fitness of midfielder Kevin Thomson who is receiving treatment for a foot injury.
Thousands of Rangers fans are expected to flock to the city with Manchester City Council, who have provided three giant screens, estimating the total could reach six figures.
