The last time the Scottish champions battled for a clean-sweep in both Europe and at home, they progressed all the way to the UEFA Cup final only to miss out on both the European trophy and the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title.

Crippling fixture congestion proved too much for Walter Smith's men to overcome back in 2008.

But, as Rangers prepare to host Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League on Thursday night, Whittaker is hoping for a similar run but with a different outcome this time around.

"We definitely have good memories of that time," he said.

"It was a fantastic run we were on that year.

"The fixture backlog set us back a little bit and we can take the experience of that into this year hopefully and still have a good run and have success at the end of the season.

"It's something we just have to deal with. We can't choose when the fixtures come, it's made for us.

"The boys who maybe haven't been playing as much will get their chance to come in and do the job."

One of the most memorable moments of that impressive run to the UEFA Cup final was the solo goal Whittaker scored at the Alvalade Stadium as Rangers triumphed the last time they faced Sporting.

"Scoring the goal over there was a personal highlight for myself and capped off a wonderful European night for the club," Whittaker recalled.

"We were a goal up anyway and looked like we were going through but to score the goal in the last minute, in the manner that we did, was a great moment."

Asked about the Sporting side Rangers can expect to come up against tomorrow night, Whittaker added: "I don't know too much about them at the minute.

"I read in the papers that they aren't doing too well and their season isn't going as well as what they maybe expected.

"It's definitely something we are aware of but they are still going to be quality opposition and we will need to make sure we are at the top of our game to take the result into the next round."

Sandwiched between the two Sporting ties is a crucial Old Firm derby on Sunday, as Rangers face an important period that could help shape their season.

Whittaker said: "It's definitely a big couple of weeks for us and you can't look too far ahead.

"We know the Old Firm game is coming but it's important that we take care of business on Thursday first.

"It will be a test from now right until the end of the season.

"We've got fixtures to catch up on and all the squad is going to be needed in the run-in. I'm sure the boys will step in and do the job.

"You can't prioritise. We are in them all and we want to do as well as we can in them all.

"We will just take each fixture as they come and try to get the result that we need."