NACHO NOVO aims to wipe away the painful memories of Rangers heartache in Villarreal when he takes on countrymen Osasuna in the Uefa Cup next month.

The wee Spaniard is still nursing a grudge after the Ibrox side's 3-3 draw over two legs with the La Liga side a year ago that saw them miss out on the quarter-finals of the Champions League on the away goals rule.

Novo came on as a sub in both matches against Villarreal, a 2-2 draw at Ibrox and a 1-1 battle in El Madrigal that saw a terrific Rangers performance fail to earn the reward it deserved.

Now, with Osasuna standing between Walter Smith's side and the quarter-finals of the Uefa Cup, the 27-year-old wants to make his fellow Spaniards pay.

He said: "It will be exciting to play in these games. I hope this year is better as it was a massive disappointment when we played Villarreal and went out on away goals.

"As a Spaniard, I'm really looking forward to playing over there. I don't feel I have anything to prove, but we want to get into the next round.

"My grandmother has never seen me play so I'll try and bring her and all my family to the game."

Novo has spoken in the past of his desire to return to Spain one day, but he hopes his foreseeable future lies at Rangers.

He will enter the final year of his contract after this season and has yet to hold extension talks with Smith.

But the striker, who has netted eight goals this season, reckons there is still plenty of time to show he is worthy of a new deal. He revealed: "There have been no talks, I've not even spoken with the manager. I'd love to stay with Rangers. I love this club.

"It's between the club and the gaffer if he wants me or not. I'll just try to do my best on the pitch. The fans are fantastic with me. But this is football and you never know what can happen."

Novo has also warned Celtic not to expect Rangers to roll over and hand them the title in next month's Old Firm derby.

The Parkhead men can retain their crown by beating Rangers - if they secure victory over Dunfermline this Saturday and Rangers lose at Hibs on Sunday.

But Novo said: "We are not going to make it easy. Everyone thinks it's going to happen because we have a tough game at Hibs. But everyone is fighting for each other at the club. We are playing good football and, although it will be tough at Hibs, we are going there for three points." Nacho Novo helped launch Setanta Sports' new Freeview channel which will no longer be available on a pay-per-view basis on a Freeview box.

Setanta Sports Freeview will be a seven-day sports channel costing £10.99 per month and will include 60 live SPL games, USPGA golf tour, live Magners League rugby and live action from Europe's top leagues.

Next season 46 English Premiership matches will be screened live. To watch the Setanta Sports channel on your Freeview box you MUST have a box with a viewing card slot and a viewing card. Call 08700 55 21 35.