From Lindsay Herron in Manchester

BARRY Ferguson knows the City of Manchester Stadium is going to be like a home from home tonight.

Rangers fans have snapped up the lion's share of the tickets and will undoubtedly blow away the 8000 or so Zenit fans in terms of noise and backing.

Like Manchester in general, there will be a sea of red, white and blue all over the ground as the fans urge the team on to greatness.

Ferguson said: "It could be like a home game for us because I know the Rangers fans have been snapping up the tickets like crazy,

"And, of course, the city is full of Rangers fans because everyone just wants to be here to be part of it all.

"It's going to be a carnival atmosphere and it's been a long time coming so the Bears will be there to enjoy themselves."

The historical element of it all is not lost on Ferguson who, having surpassed John Greig's European appearances records, now wants to emulate the legendary captain of the 60s and 70s.

He said: "I'm not really one for records but to beat John Greig's European appearances record for Rangers and then go on to beat the Scottish record was something very special for me.

"Hopefully there are many more to come.

"We don't know how the game is going to pan out, whether it will be a team effort that can do it for us or a flash a genius from someone.

"We'll need to see how we line up and which players are playing but if the ball hits someone's backside and goes in and we win 1-0, I will be delighted!"