This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Minister wishes clubs European success
16/09/2003
Sports Minister Frank McAveety has wished Scottish clubs the best of luck ahead of the start of UEFA's club competitions.
The Champions League proper begins tonight, and this is the first year that both Old Firm teams will participate in the competition. The UEFA Cup competition featuring bothDundeeand Hearts begins next week. Both competitions will put Scottish club football on the European map.
Mr McAveety said:
"Rangers, Celtic,Dundeeand Hearts have doneScotlandproud in qualifying for UEFA's premier club competitions.
"Given the the pride and passion for football inScotland, I'm delighted that we have four teams who will line up with some of the best clubs inEurope. I also feel immensely proud to see Scottish clubs featuring in these competitions which will be watched by millions around the globe.
"As the curtain comes up, I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all of our clubs every success in the coming weeks and months."
Both Old Firm teams face German opposition in their opening games, with Rangers beginning their quest for Champion's League glory at Ibrox tonight against VfB Stuttgart. Celtic will take on German champions Bayern Munich tomorrow inGermany. Rangers will also face English league champions Manchester Utd in a glamour tie billed as the Battle of Britain.
Dundeewill take on Italian giantsPerugiaatDensPark, and Hearts at Tyncastle against Bosnian-Herzegovnian Cup winners NK Zeljeznicar. Both home ties will be play on 24 September, with return away legs on 15 October.