Former team-mates Ferguson and Gattuso will tussle again

Walter Smith spotted potential in teenage midfielder Gattuso when he signed him for Rangers in 1997.

But he was sold off to Salernitana months later after failing to impress Smith's successor, Dick Advocaat.

And Laudrup said: "If you had asked whether Rino could go on and win big things, you wouldn't have said yes."

Nine years later, however, and Gattuso returns to Glasgow for a vital Euro 2008 qualifier against Scotland as a mainstay of the midfield for both world champions Italy and European champions Milan.

Laudrup now believes that there is no better midfield battler in the world but believes it is too close to call whether the Italian will win Saturday's battle with another former Ibrox team-mate, Barry Ferguson.

In terms of aggression, Rino is second to none. He is the kind of warrior you would like in your team Brian Laudrup

"Rino has certainly shown what you can do with determination and he has had a fantastic career so far," said the Dane.

"They are two different players.

"In terms of aggression, Rino is second to none. He is the kind of warrior you would like in your team.

"Fergie is much more than that. He is a midfielder who decides the game.

"He links up well with the attacking players and keeps the ball well, so it is very difficult to call that one."

Laudrup saw Scotland's revival coming as soon as his former Ibrox boss, Smith, stepped in after Berti Vogts' troubled reign ended three years ago.

"I knew when he took over that it was a matter of time and he would turn it around," the former AC Milan player said.

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"It was only a matter of time. When you are playing in a section you have one or two years to qualify, but he certainly set us up very well for Alex McLeish.

"He has done well continuing that work and now, on Saturday, they have got the opportunity to make one of the biggest surprises in European football.

"I'm really over the moon for Scotland because my heart is still with Scottish football. It would be a tremendous victory if they could beat Italy.