RANGERS supporters groups today issued a joint statement urging fans to 'party with pride' at next week's UEFA Cup final.

They described the final as 'one of the greatest moments in the Club's history' and said fans were determined to act as 'great ambassadors for the greatest club in the world.'

The Rangers Supporters Assembly, which represents the worldwide fanbase, issued the following statement.

It reads: "Every Rangers fan is delighted to see the Club make it to a European final.

"We believe everyone who is either travelling to Manchester or watching the game at Ibrox on Wednesday wants to be great ambassadors for the greatest club in the world.

"We are fully aware that the eyes of the footballing world will be on Manchester on Wednesday.

"We have been greatly encouraged by the messages that have been coming from Manchester this week.

"We greatly appreciate the provision of fanzones and big screens for those who will be in the city but do not have tickets for the match.

"Many thousands of Rangers fans will travel to Manchester and there is a tremendous anticipation about the final.

"We would ask all fans to party with pride, uphold the good name of the Club and ensure Manchester is remembered as the 'friendly final'.

"It is important that all supporters make themselves aware of official information from the police and the Club regarding the final.

"We have travelled in our thousands to nine different countries this season without trouble and we all want the UEFA Cup final to be our finest hour.

"The supporters groups and the Club are having discussions with the Manchester Police today over the final.

"Information and guidelines will be issued through official Club channels in the next few days.

"We would also ask supporters who are not travelling to Manchester to support the team by going to Ibrox Stadium to watch the live beamback, free of charge, on Wednesday night with thousands of fellow supporters."