RANGERS supporters today welcomed the announcement by Manchester City Council that it is to provide large screens for fans in Manchester for the UEFA Cup final next week.

Jim Templeton, President of the Rangers Supporters Assembly, -- which represents all Rangers fans -- said: "This is good news for Rangers fans and we appreciate the announcement by Manchester City Council.

"Rangers has done an excellent job in hosting a beam-back of the game at Ibrox and there will be a big attendance there. However, I think everyone realises that there will be large numbers of fans in Manchester next week and the provision of big screens to watch the match will be a great facility.

"People I have spoken to said they are going to Manchester to make it the friendly final.

We're going there to celebrate our team's achievement and have a party and we are very pleased that the authorities in Manchester are making a big effort to make us feel welcome."

Mark Hateley, Rangers UEFA Cup final fan ambassador, said: "Everything we are hearing from the fan groups is that they want to make this final a tremendous celebration. We have been delighted by the response to the beamback and look forward to welcoming many thousands of fans at Ibrox on the night of the match.

"We also welcome the extensive work that is being done to welcome our fans who are travelling to Manchester for the game."