Rangers boss Walter Smith believes the door to the UEFA Cup semi-finals is wide open for his team after they were drawn to face Sporting Lisbon in the last eight.

The Scottish league leaders are chasing a domestic treble and European glory, and edged into the quarter-finals with a 2-1 aggregate victory over Werder Bremen.

They could’ve been drawn to face Bayern Munich, so Rangers were happy to avoid the German giants and satisfied with their draw.

“Portuguese sides always have a bit of flair and a good balance but I feel we have a good chance to progress,” Smith admitted.

“We have gone through against one of the sides I considered to be one of the favourites so hopefully we can continue our run. We are obviously delighted to be in the last eight and we would want to go further. There has been a great resilience about the team in Europe this season and hopefully that continues in our matches with Sporting.”

Rangers defeated Sporting in the second round on their way to winning the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1972.

“Let’s hope history repeats itself,” said Smith.

Rangers winger Chris Burke believes the Gers are capable of going all the way in Europe.

“Realistically I think we’ve shown we’ve got a great chance,” he said.

“I think we’ve shown already in Europe that we can compete with any team.”

The quarter-final ties take place on April 3 and 10. If Rangers get past Sporting, they will meet PSV Eindhoven or Fiorentina in the semi-finals.

UEFA Cup draw — quarter-finals: Bayer Leverkusen v Zenit St Petersburg; Rangers v Sporting; Bayern Munich v Getafe; Fiorentina v PSV Eindhoven.

Semi-finals: Bayern Munich or Getafe v Bayer Leverkusen or Zenit St Petersberg; Rangers or Sporting v Fiorentina or PSV Eindhoven (1st legs of ties to be played April 24. Second legs to be played May 1).