KEVIN THOMSON aims to go from watching brief to leading role as he steps into the Champions League arena for the first time next month.

The £2million Rangers midfielder put in a tremendous shift as Walter Smith's side secured a 0-0 draw against Red Star Belgrade in Serbia to go through to the lucrative group stage courtesy of a 1-0 aggregate result.

Thommo loved nothing better than being glued to the box watching the Champions League drama unfold in recent years.

But now he has a chance to go right to the heart of the action in the biggest tournament in club football.

"It's great - I can't wait to sample it," he said. "I also can't wait for the draw tonight to see who we get.

"I used to sit and watch the Champions League on TV with my pals, and I always dreamed of one day sampling it for myself.

"Now I have that opportunity, and that's why I wanted to join Rangers. This is a great chance for every one of us to go in against the best.

"To be honest, we'll take who we get. They are all going to be top teams, and there could be some big box-office ties - we'll just need to wait and see what the draw throws up.

"Being there is the main thing. And I'll be happy to swap watching it on TV for a place on the pitch in these games!

"In the end we fully deserved it. It was a great night for the club, and for our fans. Now we can all look forward to the group stage together."