UEFA Cup: Rangers manager Alex McLeish hopes Alex Rae can convert his UEFA Cup frustration into a match-winning performance against AZ Alkmaar in Holland tonight.

The 35-year-old hit the headlines earlier in the season when he was banned for five-matches for kicking a CSKA Moscow player in the head in a Champions League qualifier.

That has kept the former Wolves player on the sidelines until now, yet he is set to start in the clash between teams with 100 per cent records in Group F.

McLeish is convinced the punishment his most senior player received was harsh, but said: "I'm delighted to get Alex back. He has served his penance. We know he is a hard player but I think overall, over the past few years, he has been a fine example to young players."

Another key man in midfield is Fernando Ricksen, who has also had his problems with authority in the past. So much so a number of AZ players have admitted they will try to get him sent off.

Co Adriaanse's side were the bottom seed in the group, but McLeish insisted: "Alkmaar are favourites given their home form."

McLeish hopes Michael Ball will overcome a foot injury to start at left back, as Gregory Vignal, Paolo Vanoli and Maurice Ross are all injured, with just Steven Smith as cover on the bench. Strikers Shota Arveladze and Steven Thompson are also out injured.