Hemdani: We can revive campaign

Injury has hampered Hemdani's season

Brahim Hemdani feels Rangers' Champions League dream can live on - and Wednesday's 2-2 draw against Villarreal can revive a sluggish domestic season.

"We're confident of going through, even though it's difficult for us going away against a quality team after losing two away goals," he told BBC Sport.

"We'll see what happens but it was vital to take something from the game.

"The draw gives us a chance to do something in Villarreal and it shows the determination in the squad."

The 27-year-old Hemdani was brought to Ibrox last summer on a free transfer from Marseille by manager Alex McLeish to bolster the midfield.

However, he has been beset with injury problems throughout a miserable domestic campaign for the Ibrox side.

For a club like Rangers we have to be in the Champions League Brahim Hemdani

Nonetheless, the fit-again Algerian has plenty of experience of football at the highest level as captain of the French giants - and Rangers will be counting on him as they seek to upset the odds against Manuel Pellegrini's talented, multi-national 'Yellow Submarines'.

"The game against Villarreal came at the right moment after playing well and winning against Hibernian last Saturday, so the confidence was coming back into the team." he said.

With the Spaniards at an advantage from the first-leg, McLeish's men face their hardest challenge in the tournament yet.

Rangers have risen to the challenge in an eventful European campaign, but have failed to find their title-winning form of last term. Indeed, they face a tough task to usurp Hearts for second place and a chance of qualification for next season's Champions League.

Hemdani believes that the injury list has been a major factor in hampering the quest to retain the championship.

"It's hard to explain why things have gone wrong for us at home this season," he added.

"We have reacted differently when faced with the challenges of domestic and European football.

"But we have had so many injuries right through the season and when you don't have a settled team it can upset your rhythm.

"Being in the Champions League is very prestigious for the club and the supporters and I would like to thank the fans for their support. It really helped us against Villarreal.

"For a club like Rangers we have to be in the Champions League, and it would be bad if we failed to qualify for next season," he added.

The news that McLeish is stepping down as boss at the end of the season has, according to Hemdani, not unsettled the dressing room, as Rangers supporters face an anxious wait for a replacement.

"We will keep on doing our best for the manager in each game, and we have to wait until later to see what changes there will be."