TRANSPORT police in Glasgow will launch their biggest ever security crackdown ahead of tonight's Uefa Cup clash at Ibrox.

Specialist officers from London have been drafted in to police the Subway as fans make their way to watch Rangers play Hapoel Tel Aviv, and senior police will use CCTV footage to identify potential troublemakers.

The massive operation follows the pitch invasion by a spectator carrying a Palestinian flag last year at Rangers home tie with Israel side Maccabi Haifa, leading to a £5000 fine from Uefa.

Chief executive Martin Bain has warned that the club will sue fans who are guilty of similar public order offences tonight.

British Transport Police have called in officers who usually deal with Arsenal and Tottenham's travelling support to beef up security on the Subway.

They will try to spot and deter troublemakers, and it's hoped reassure the public the network is safe to use.

Donnie MacLeod, SPT's head of security, said: "Our staff will be working in partnership with the police to ensure that supporters get to and from the match safely.

"I would ask that supporters also play their part by leaving in plenty of time for their journey to the game. We expect trains to be busy."

Chief Superintendent Robin Howe, who will be in charge of the match, added: "An effective security plan is in place to deal with anyone committing any crime."

The match comes after Rangers vowed to pursue "compensation orders" against fans who disrupt matches.

The club plans to sue Sean Gallagher, who has been accused of invading the pitch during the Maccabi Haifa match draped in a Palestinian flag and trying to chain himself to the goalposts.

Gallacher, 21, of Woodlands, Glasgow, pleaded not guilty when he appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court last November and is due back in court next month.

Laurence Macintyre, head of safety at Rangers, said: "The legal system provides a mechanism for compensation to be awarded as part of criminal proceedings.

"Where any person is convicted of an offence, the circumstances of which lead to any financial consequences, Rangers Football Club will request that an order for compensation be made."

Meanwhile, Rangers have avoided punishment after a Uefa probe into one-arm salutes last week.

The club was the subject of a probe after supporters made the salutes during the first leg of the match against Hapoel and an anti-racism body complained to Uefa.

Although linked to the Red Hand of Ulster, the gestures were misinterpreted as Nazi salutes.

Rangers chief executive Martin Bain said: "Some fans continue to give Red Hand salutes which the club and the vast majority of supporters discourage."