Paterson: It's down to the ref May 01 2008
Former Rangers captain Craig Paterson believes the performance of referee Frank de Bleeckere could be crucial to the Ibrox side's chances of overcoming Fiorentina and making next month's UEFA Cup final in Manchester.
The Belgian will be in charge of the second leg of the semi-final in Florence on Thursday, where Walter Smith's side need a positive result following the goalless draw in Glasgow last week.
And Paterson, who played at Ibrox in the 1980s, says De Bleeckere will have to keep an eye on Viola striker Giampaolo Pazzini.
"The referee might have a big part to play in the game," the former Hibernian and Motherwell stopper said.
"Let's hope we are not talking abut him at the end of the game.
"Pazzini was going to ground easily in the first game at Ibrox and although the referee in that game was pernickety at times, he was telling him to get up.
"Pazzini will go to ground easily at home and ask questions of the officials so let's hope the referee stays strong.
"I think Belgian football is one country where there is a decent amount of proper physical contact and games are not wasted by constant fouls.
"So let's hope the referee can spot the real fouls from the simulation."
Rangers will be without defender David Weir, who sustained a groin injury in Sunday's Old Firm defeat at Celtic Park.
Paterson acknowledged the loss of the 37-year-old stopper but believes in Christian Dailly, who will move back from midfield to partner Carlos Cuellar in defence, Walter Smith has a more than adequate replacement.
He said: "Losing Weir is a big blow to Rangers.
"Weir is one of the two or three players in the team that you wouldn't want to lose.
"One thing Walter has got in his favour is that he has an international class player coming in.
"Dailly and Carlos Cuellar are not untried and they did well away to Sporting Lisbon in the last round.
"They will provide a terrific barrier and that is what Rangers will need."
"The club are on the verge of something special and I hope they do it," Paterson added.
"They are one step away from a European final and that would have only been a dream at the start of the season.
"The final is in Manchester, the fans will be able to get there easily and so it's all set up for them.
"But they have to play against a team who are fourth in Serie A and looking to qualify for the Champions League next season.
"They have a chance but what they will need is all their players, probably all 14 of them, performing on the night."