Published: Wednesday, 14th May, 2008 10:00
'I'm proud of where I come from' says Rangers star
By David Knox
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Kevin Thomson...the Borderer who plays for Rangers in the UEFA Cup final tonight against Zenit St Petersburg.
TONIGHT Kevin Thomson will become the first footballer from the Scottish Borders to have ever played in a European cup final.
The 23-year-old from Peebles is expected to start in the UEFA Cup Final for Rangers against Zenit St Petersburg.
And he will eclipse the efforts of such Borders footballing greats as Galashiels’ John Collins and Bobby Johnstone from Selkirk.
In a fraught few months – which has seen Rangers win the Scottish League Cup, reach the finals of both the Scottish and UEFA cups and remain favourites to win the Clydesdale Bank Premier League – Kevin has been thrust into one of the most exciting end-of-seasons ever.
And his hard-work and eye-catching recent performances on the European stage have earned him his first ever full Scotland call-up to face the Czech Republic on May 30.
Although the taxing fixture list is taking its physical toll on the former Peebles Thistle player, he’s enjoying every moment.
Kevin told the Border Telegraph: “When I signed for Rangers last season all we had left to play for was the UEFA Cup and we were soon knocked out of that. There was no pressure at all in my first season.
“This season has been the complete opposite. We are still in with a chance of winning four trophies. Even if I’m at Rangers for the next 10 seasons it is unlikely I’ll be in this position again.
“It has been a hard run in and it can be tiring but the buzz around the club and the adrenalin from each big game keeps you going.”
Kevin signed for Walter Smith during the January transfer window last season.
And it wasn’t an immediate marriage made in heaven as the former Hibs and Coventry player struggled to command a regular starting place.
But gradually he found favour towards the end of last season with both his manager and the fans.
And Kevin has become one of the inspirational forces that’s led to the club enjoying probably its best ever season in a long and distinguished history.
As well as dominating domestic football, the European run which has seen them overcoming teams such as Fiorentina, Sporting Lisbon, Werder Bremen and Olympiakos has made the Rangers players household names across the continent.
Wednesday evening’s final in Manchester will be watched by tens-of-millions around the world.
And for once dad, Alan, along with mum, Liz, will get to see their son play on the European stage. Thomson senior explained: “I went out to watch Rangers against Barcelona but Kevin was suspended for the match.
“It wasn’t the best experience but it’s the only chance I’ve had to go and see him play in Europe so far.
“We wouldn’t miss the final and we’re pleased he’s not suspended for this one.”
Kevin flies down to Manchester on Monday with the Rangers squad.
And he believes they will return with the cup. Kevin explained: “We have lined up against some of the best players in the world and we have beaten them.
“We’ve matched these quality teams all the way through this competition and there’s no reason why we can’t do it again in the final.
“Manchester is going to be amazing. The atmosphere will be out of this world.”
As well a Scottish Cup Final against Queen of the South in a fortnight and the remaining matches in the league title race, Kevin will also jet out with Scotland at the end of the month.
And he is delighted to finally get his first cap – even though it almost ruined his holiday plans.
Kevin said: “I’d booked a holiday to Portugal on June 5 thinking the season would be well over but the Czech game means I’ll get back just a couple of days before I go away again.
“It’s my mum and dad’s 50th birthdays this year so me and my girlfriend, along with my sister and her boyfriend, are all going out to Portugal for a break.
“I hadn’t thought about being in the Scotland squad – obviously I’m delighted.”
John Collins from Galashiels reached the Champions League semi final with Monaco in 1998.
And the late Bobby Johnstone had left Hibs just before they reached the semi final of the European Cup in 1956.
Craig Douglas, chairman of the football club in Bobby’s hometown of Selkirk, said: “Bobby was the first player to score in successive FA Cup finals but the European competitions were just starting towards the end of his career.
“It’s a fantastic achievement for Kevin to have done what he has and still only 23. His dad, Alan, played for Selkirk so there is a connection with us and we wish him every success in the UEFA final.”
Kevin, who now lives in Edinburgh, added: “I had no idea I was the first from the Borders to get to a European final.
“I hope I’ll be the first from the Borders to win a European final as well.
“I’m proud of where I come from and do get back down to Peebles as often as I can.
“When my career is over I hope to come back and live in Peebles again.”
The final of the UEFA Cup between Rangers and Zenit St Petersburg is tonight. Good Luck Kevin!
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