Smith says Zenit are Cup favourites

By Justin Palmer

MANCHESTER (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.