Smith shrugs off Scotland speculation

Walter Smith will ignore speculation surrounding his future as he concentrates on leading his team to victory against Kilmarnock on Saturday.

Smith has been heavily linked with a return as Scotland boss after George Burley was sacked following the national team’s 3-0 friendly defeat to Wales last weekend.

But the Gers boss, whose contract with the Ibrox club comes to an end in January, has ruled himself out of the running and says he would happily remain at Rangers without a contract.

Smith’s side have made an unbeaten start to the season domestically and sit just two points behind Celtic in the Scottish Premier League, with a game in hand over their rivals.

Rangers could return to the top of the league with a win over Kilmarnock and pile the pressure on the Hoops who don’t play Dundee United until Sunday.

However, the Ibrox side have drawn four times in the league so far and Smith says his side must address their habit of dropping costly points.

“In the next phase of games we are looking for more consistency than we had in the first spell of matches,” Smith said.

“I think in our more recent matches we have been doing better, ever since the home game with Unirea (in the Champions League) at Ibrox.

“There is no doubt we have dropped too many points through draws and that is something we want to rectify.”

His comments were echoed by keeper Allan McGregor, who says the side will be boosted by the return of some long-term injury absentees in the weeks to come.

“I think when you look at the start of the season there were games where we underperformed and that was frustrating,” McGregor said.

“But in the last three or four fixtures we have been a lot quicker and sharper. When you consider that we have had to make a lot of changes to the team and a few young lads have come in it bodes well for the future.

“Against Killie we will have more boys back including Kevin Thomson and possibly Madjid Bougherra and it’s not long before Mo Edu will be available again.”

Meanwhile, Old Firm rivals Celtic could be without five top team stars for their match against Dundee United at Tannadice on Sunday.

Keeper Artur Boruc and midfielders Scott Brown and Shaun Maloney are out for the difficult trip to Tayside due to long-term injuries.

With captain Stephen McManus suspended for the match and Glenn Loovens struggling with a groin strain manager Tony Mowbray has problems.

Mowbray said: “There is no chance of them being ready for Tannadice. They are not ready to train this week, so it’s not a question of rushing them back.

“They are trying to get fit and are working with the medical staff. It’s frustrating because they are all influential players for us, but we have to accept the situation and move on.”

Craig Levein, heavily tipped for the Scotland job, knows a win for his side could see them close the gap on the league leaders to just two points.

Elsewhere St Johnstone make the trip to Edinburgh as they face Hearts at Tynecastle.

St Mirren host third-placed Hibernian boosted by the return of injured trio Mo Camara, Craig Dargo and Allan Johnston.

Falkirk hope to pick up their first win of the season and close the gap at the bottom as they take on nearest rivals Hamilton and Motherwell welcome Aberdeen to Fir Park.

Fixtures (1500 GMT unless otherwise stated)

Saturday

Falkirk v Hamilton, Hearts v St Johnstone (1230), Motherwell v Aberdeen, Rangers v Kilmarnock, St Mirren V Hibernian

Sunday

Dundee United v Celtic (1230)