DAVID WEIR: The Champions League money means nothing to the players. It’s all about prestige and memories

David Weir was the Rangers captain the last time they played in the Champions League group stages.

Malmo could park the bus when they turn up at Ibrox on Tuesday night, trying to protect their 2-1 lead from the first leg.

The former Light Blues central defender just hopes that none of Steven Gerrard’s team miss the bus before the match!

Weir, now 51 and working for English Premier League outfit, Brighton, as their Loans Manager, knows that experience only too well.

He told The Sunday Post: “On our run to the UEFA Cup Final in 2008, we were drawn against Werder Bremen.

“On the day before the game, I was running late.

“Ally McCoist was in charge of the head count on the team coach, but didn’t notice I wasn’t on it.

“He told Walter Smith we were all on board, and the bus took off.

“No doubt Lee McCulloch and Kris Boyd were at the heart of it, and told Coisty to tell the driver to leave without me!

“Walter then found out, and phoned me. He was fine about it, and just told me to take a stroll on my own.

“So I did, and went for a coffee.

“We got through against Werder Bremen, so in the end it was job done.”

Weir, who won eight domestic medals in his five years at Ibrox, hopes the current Light Blues side can also get the job done this week.

He admitted: “The first-leg result away to Malmo wasn’t ideal, but it’s still more than decent.

“The late goal from Steven Davis has put a totally different complexion on things for the return leg.

“I was pleased for Steven, and he is a player who just doesn’t know when to stop. He is a credit to his profession and to himself, and is totally dedicated to his job.

“Steven will know what’s required to get the goals to turn this tie in Rangers’ favour.

“Having a full Ibrox Stadium will be a big bonus. The crowd can play such an important role, and it’s vital they get behind the team and offer plenty of encouragement.

“Steven and the players have plenty of experience, but they are up against a good team. Malmo showed they are not to be underestimated in any shape or form.

“But there is so much at stake.

“Yes, financially, it’s a massive lift for the football club, and the millions and millions of pounds on offer for qualification is significant.

“But, believe me, that doesn’t come into the minds of the players. The money is not their motivation.

“They are only thinking about the prestige of playing in the Champions League.

“First and foremost, they want to be in the draw with Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Manchester City. That’s where they want to be.

“Yes, the Europa League is a brilliant competition, but they have been there for three years, and now need to show they are ready for the step up.

“I think they will do it.

“Malmo knocked us out of Europe in 2011, but I don’t think there is going to be a repeat of that this time.”

Weir will keep a close eye on events in Glasgow on Tuesday evening, hoping Gerrard’s side can go on to join Europe’s elite between September and December.

He had many special nights on the biggest stage of all, and said: “I look back with fondness from my time playing in Europe for Rangers. The memories make me happy.

“Whether we won, lost or drew, I always tried to take something from these games to help improve me as a footballer.

“When you come up against teams such as Barcelona, Lyon and Manchester United, you need to make the most of it, and make sure it’s not a wasted experience.

“Lining up against the likes of Messi, Henry and Ronaldinho was pretty special.

“You just need to remember to take a breath, soak it all up and try your very best to enjoy the 90 minutes.

“The current Rangers team will have that focus in all of the European qualifiers. They have achieved some very good things under Steven Gerrard.

“To win the League last season was an impressive run of performances over 38 games. They also performed well in the Europa League. It’s not easy to marry it all together.

“Now they are on course to get into the Champions League for the first time in a decade.

“I was there when we were doing it under Walter Smith and it’s very special.”

To overcome Malmo, Allan McGregor will need to be in his usual top form to avoid the aggregate scoring being damaged any further.

And Weir – who won his 69th and last cap aged 40 to become Scotland’s oldest-ever internationalist – has nothing but admiration for the 39-year-old.

He said: “Allan has been sensational. And, being honest, I’m not in the slightest bit surprised he is still going strong as he reaches his 40th year.

“From when I first worked with him at Rangers, I could see he had that desire and drive to do well.

“He was a winner, and he worked hard every day in the training field.

“The biggest thing is a player’s mentality. Allan has the right mindset to succeed and keep going.

“I was the same. I played on into my 40s, and loved it. I didn’t want to stop, but time eventually caught up with me.

“But not everyone has that outlook. I knew of some players who couldn’t wait until they retired. They wanted to hang up the boots at 34 or 35.

“But listen, it’s down to personal choice. Everyone has their own outlook on life and on their career, and you need to respect that.

“Allan will keep going, I’m certain about that. And he’ll be ready to deliver another big performance in midweek.”

Weir misses the European adventures he had as a player, but in his role at Brighton, he travels all over the world to take in games, watching the club’s players who are out on loan in various countries.

He has always enjoyed exploring, and even managed to see the sights of some of the major cities when he was travelling with Rangers.

The assistant manager to Mark Warburton during his time at Ibrox said: “It was good to enjoy everything about European games.

“By that I don’t just mean what happened on the park. I also made sure I got a chance to have a wee walk around any of the cities we were playing in, a chance to explore.

“When we played in Israel, I had a walk along the beach in Tel Aviv. I took in the sights and had a coffee in Florence. I also visited the Acropolis in Athens.

“Walter Smith also enjoyed a wee coffee here and there. He found it a nice way to relax on the day of a game. I was the same.

“Away from the Champions League, obviously the run to the 2008 UEFA Cup Final is full of special memories.

“Sometimes the whole team would go into town in one of the foreign cities, just to stretch the legs and have a wee wander for 45 minutes.

“I hope what I enjoyed back then can be repeated by the current Rangers squad.”