Source: Team_Talk
Smith praise for match-winner Novo
The Spanish striker was drafted back into the first team for the clash with Falkirk and repaid Smith with two first half goals, before Kris Boyd sealed the win late on.[LNB]The brace brought Novo's tally to seven goals in eight starts and Smith is well aware of the player's frustration at not featuring in his plans on a more regular basis.[LNB]But the Rangers boss admits he can have no complaints about Novo's attitude after he set up a meeting with either Celtic or Dundee United at Hampden on March 15.[LNB]Smith said: "His enthusiasm is a big factor in his play and he got the bonus of two goals on top of that, which is a pleasing thing for him.[LNB]"We are delighted that he managed to get those goals. Nacho has not had a great opportunity to start in the games so I gave him the opportunity to start tonight's game.[LNB]"He's great, he does a great job for us. Sometimes he gets a little frustrated when I don't give him the opportunity to start as often but that's understandable especially when someone has the enthusiasm that he has and just wants to play.[LNB]"He never lets us down when he is called upon and he is getting his goals. At times he wears his heart on his sleeve and shows that he doesn't like being left out but it doesn't affect him."[LNB]Reaching the League Cup final was a much-needed boost for a club who have endured their share of off-field problems this month after it emerged they may need to sell one of their top players before the end of the month in a bid to balance the books.[LNB]Fans reacted angrily towards chairman Sir David Murray after an offer was accepted from Birmingham for Boyd, albeit the move collapsed over personal terms.[LNB]But Smith never had any fears about the off-field drama affecting his players on the pitch.[LNB]He said: "There hasn't been that many problems off the pitch, it has been fairly straightforward.[LNB]"I've said before, it hasn't really affected anything on the footballing side of things.[LNB]"It's just pleasing that we are in the final again. We enjoyed the three finals we got to last year and hopefully we can enjoy them this year if we get there."[LNB]He added: "It's a big thing, you always want to get to a final. It's always a great day when we get there.[LNB]"We are looking forward to it and hopefully we can do well."[LNB]Falkirk boss John Hughes handed goalkeeper Dani Mallo his debut between the sticks and stood by his decision to drop Robert Olejnik despite Mallo gifting Boyd Rangers' third.[LNB]He said: "There are no regrets whatsoever.[LNB]"It's one of those where it could have worked for you and he could have been a match-winner.[LNB]"It's not that Robert has done anything wrong and he will be disappointed at missing out on the semi-final but his time will come again.[LNB]"I think Dani did okay and he has had one or two good saves. He has a big part to play between now and the end of the season.[LNB]"He is a good goalkeeper and he will do all right for us so I'm glad I've got that competition for places."[LNB][LNB][LNB]
