Critics prove the least of Smith's problems

Rangers v Celtic:WALTER SMITH has brushed aside growing concerns over his position at Rangers and insisted irritation over his side's stuttering start to the season overrides the fear of the potential consequences if Celtic win tomorrow's Old Firm match.

Tony Mowbray’s team will move seven points ahead of their oldest rivals if they win at Ibrox, a matter which would prompt further scrutiny of Smith’s position. Rangers’ new chairman, Alastair Johnston, revealed this week that talks have opened with a view to extending the manager’s contract, but Smith harbours private concerns over his budget. He has also been subject to criticism from the stands amid a run of one win in six games.

“That is a manager’s life,” said Smith of the supporter disquiet. “If you take a job, especially in Scotland, that [the criticism] happens to you. And it happens to you regardless of previous circumstances. That isn’t what bothers me; what bothers me is that we haven’t started the season the way I would have hoped. That gets to me more than anyone’s opinions.”

Internet-forum criticism, in particular, is unlikely to register with Smith. “I can’t switch on a computer,” he said, only partly in jest.

Pedro Mendes, who counts Jose Mourinho among his former managers, said he spoke on behalf of the Rangers squad, that Smith must remain in office. The manager’s current deal expires in January. “I have worked under some top managers and Walter is one of them,” said the Portuguese midfielder. “Continuity is important for this club and it would be great for the club as a whole if he could stay. He has created a relationship with every single player which means that everyone wants him to stay with Rangers.”

Smith adopted a philosophical stance when considering his level of experience in Old Firm games. Mowbray, despite being a former Celtic player, will tomorrow sample his first as a manager.

“Knowledge is a great thing but sometimes it can inhibit you,” said Smith. “You have to be careful that doesn’t happen. Sometimes that bit of spark at the start [of your career] is an important factor as well as the knowledge you have of handling these games.”

Mowbray is unwilling to play down the significance of the trip across the city. “It was intense when I was here 18 years ago as a player and it is still pretty intense,” he said of the rivalry.

“It is a massive game; two huge clubs playing in the one city and both want to win the league, so it is pretty competitive and rightly so. It is a special game for anyone who loves football and we will send the team there to get a result.”

Rangers’ Kenny Miller and Kyle Lafferty could feature as they fight back from hamstring and knee injuries respectively. Smith hopes both Lee McCulloch (flu bug) and Kevin Thomson (knee) will be ready for action.

Celtic’s Scott Brown will travel to London after the game to see a specialist about his ongoing ankle problem. Defender Andreas Hinkel and midfielder Paddy McCourt, who are both carrying knocks, face fitness tests.