Moyes rues missing final but offers Smith his help

GLASGOW-BORN David Moyes will watch tomorrow's UEFA Cup Final in Manchester disappointed that Everton are not taking part.

But the 45-year-old former Celtic player has revealed he has offered help to Rangers boss Walter Smith in the build-up to the Eastlands final against Zenit St Petersburg.

Everton boss Moyes knows how unlucky his own side were in not reaching the final themselves.

They beat Zenit in the early stages of the tournament and also won a last-16 second leg against Fiorentina, who Rangers beat in the semi-final.

Said Moyes: "I am going to watch the UEFA Cup final this week with a little bit of disappointment that we are not in it.

But you have to earn the right, and also need a little bit of luck along the way to get there."

The Everton boss has been in touch with Smith to offer his help in preparing a game plan to take on the Russian champions.

He added: "I spoke to him and I left him a message as well, and my congratulations go to Rangers for being able to get to the UEFA Cup final.

"We beat Zenit and if he wants any information then I can give it him. I spoke to him before they played Fiorentina and I think that the game went very much to plan."

Everton are back in the UEFA Cup themselves after finishing fifth in the Premier League and Moyes is looking for more good European experiences next term. He said: "We really enjoyed it, the supporters really enjoyed it and I think we were good for Europe."

Meanwhile, Rangers legend Ally McCoist insists Smith's team are ready to carry the UEFA Cup trophy back to Glasgow.

Former striker McCoist, who is Smith's assistant manager, is praying for the best possible outcome from tomorrow's final.

Rangers have already played 18 matches in Europe this season and McCoist believes the highlight is still to come. "Everyone I've been speaking to is coming down and looking forward to it," said McCoist. "It's going to be a wonderful, wonderful occasion, and I just really pray we can bring the cup home for them."

Midfielder Kevin Thomson is a doubt for the match after a foot injury flared up, however Rangers have alternatives in that department, with the likes of Lee McCulloch, Charlie Adam and Brahim Hemdani ready to step in.

McCoist has seen expectation levels among the squad soar, and added: "I've no doubt they'll be ready for kick-off but the excitement is certainly beginning to mount already."