Dick Advocaat is relishing the possibility of a date with his former club in the UEFA Cup final in Manchester next month.

"It would be great for us to face Rangers in Manchester and it would be great to see my good friend David Murray again," said the Dutchman, whose Zenit St Petersburg side drew 1-1 away to Bayern Munich in the first leg of their semi-final.

"I certainly hope Rangers make it because I'm a Rangers fan. You know what they say - once a Ranger, always a Ranger.

"PSV underestimated Fiorentina in the last round after drawing 1-1 in Italy and that's why they lost 2-0 at home. But Rangers will not underestimate them and they will have Barry Ferguson back for the second leg which is great.

"It is incredible to think my old club have a chance to win four trophies this season. What Walter Smith has achieved this season has been unbelievable. I know how difficult it is to be a Rangers manager so I have great respect for him."

Advocaat praised his side's resilience after coming from behind. "I'm very pleased with the way we played in the second half. In the first 30 minutes Bayern created many chances. I don't know why but we were nervous."

Fernando Ricksen is also excited by the possibility of meeting his former side. The Zenit defender took a painkilling injection to play against Bayern but will sit out the return match on Thursday through suspension.

"Of course, I would love to get Rangers in the final. That's been my wish from the start," he said. "We have a chance now to reach the final and the fact we're playing at home could be a very big factor for us. Hopefully, we can do it and meet Rangers in Manchester."

Ricksen has struggled with a recurrent ankle problem this season but insisted he felt comfortable in the match against Bayern, despite conceding a first-half penalty that was converted at the second attempt by Franck Ribery.

"I was delighted that I could play 90 minutes again after such a long time on the sidelines. Last year I broke an ankle and I still have a loose bone there so I am not completely fit. Before the match, I had to take an injection, but I felt OK. I was comfortable and I was happy to play this game."