Gers must keep clean sheet - Weir

The experience of Weir will be crucial to Rangers at the back

David Weir reckons keeping a clean sheet against Panathinaikos is the key to Rangers progressing in the Uefa Cup.

The Ibrox defender insists his side must stretch their run of six games without conceding if they are to make it to the last 16 of the competition.

Weir said: "Panathinaikos obviously know how valuable goals are and they will be coming here looking for goals.

"The Aberdeen game showed that they are a quality team and that we will have to show them respect."

Media conference: Rangers manager Walter Smith

Media conference: Rangers player David Weir

The Greek side scored three times without reply when they met the Dons in Athens earlier in the tournament.

"We know it's going to be a tough game and we know we have to perform on the night and over the two legs to progress," added Weir.

Meanwhile, Fifa will not make a decision on Daniel Cousin's move to Fulham until next week, meaning the striker is now available for selection.

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The proposed £3m transfer has been on hold since a deal was struck on 22 January because Cousin has also featured for French club Lens this term and Fifa regulations forbid a player from playing for more than two clubs in one season.

A Rangers statement said: "Rangers Football Club has been advised by Fulham that Fifa will make a decision on Daniel Cousin's proposed transfer to the London club some time next week."

Cousin has scored nine goals for Rangers this season

The 31-year-old has been out of action for more than three weeks pending the move to Craven Cottage, and manager Walter Smith has concerns over his fitness levels.

The Gabon striker has resumed training with the rest of squad and could be the ideal replacement for the suspended Jean-Claude Darcheville.

Referring to his favoured 4-5-1 formation for Champions League matches, Smith said: "I might change it in the games against Panathinaikos.

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"In the Champions League, I felt that gave us a good base on which we could work. We had mixed results - we started really well and finished poorly in terms of results.

"We go into a new tournament now. Panathinaikos are a strong team and we will have to play very well over the two legs if we wish to progress."

Rangers and Panathinaikos both sit top of their respective domestic leagues and enter the last 32 tie on a decent run of form.